Changing the way we look at carbon
There are two types of carbon emissions with respect to a building: operational carbon and embodied carbon. Operational carbon refers to carbon dioxide emitted during the life of a building, emissions from heating, cooling, lighting, etc. Embodied carbon refers to carbon dioxide emitted during the extraction, manufacture, and transport of building materials. Learn more about specific and practical strategies for selecting products and materials that reduce embodied carbon emissions and move the industry toward making carbon-storing products the rule, rather than the exception.
What is materialsCAN?
Measuring for success
Remember to evaluate and choose building materials with a low carbon footprint. You can measure your carbon footprint with the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator, or you can learn even more practical strategies for selecting products and materials that reduce embodied carbon emissions through continuing education.
Embodied Carbon Resources
Class Assignment Templates
(courtesy of San Jose State)
Case Studies
Videos
materialsCAN
Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront
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