Pathway Action 1

Tackling Embodied Carbon

Embodied carbon comes from the design and construction of a building, from extraction of materials, through manufacturing, processing, transportation and assembly of every element before operation. Embodied carbon from the construction and refurbishment of buildings makes up about 20% of built environment emissions6

As operational emissions from buildings continues to decrease, the UKGBC estimates that embodied carbon will form over 50% of built environment emissions by 2035.

The 2030 net zero pathway sets clear embodied carbon targets, with a downward trajectory as seen in Figure 4, for stages A1-A5 (“cradle to post-completion”) of all development projects. This allows for supply chain development and adaptation, ensuring shared learning and ability to maximise benefits across the value chain. This also applies to capital goods suppliers and other purchased goods and services, since 5.5% of the 2019 baseline footprint came from these sectors.

Moving To Net Zero

Design Standards: sustainable design standards for all development projects addresses climate risk and covers embodied carbon targets, operational energy use and water intensity targets, as well as innovative opportunities arising from circular economy models. These standards will continue to evolve and be improved towards 2030.

Supply Chain Engagement: proactive engagement with partners, suppliers and the wider industry regarding sustainability expectations and environmental performance continues, alongside sharing best practice and supporting suppliers in the development and implementation of their own emissions reduction strategies. As part of this, we will continue to engage through Better Buildings Partnership to understand and implement the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard when it launches.

Improved Data and Reporting: tracking whole life carbon for every development project above £1.5m spend, alongside our internal carbon benchmarks for minor projects, is improving the quality of footprint data. Supply chain tracking and reporting will also continue to increase, as transparent and comparable data reporting helps drive improvement across the board.

6 UKGBC (2023) Climate Change: www.ukgbc.org/climate-change-2

CASE STUDY 30-33 Sloane Street

From inception, Cadogan’s mixed-use development at 30-33 Sloane Street was planned to be net zero carbon.

Initial scheme scoping between cut-andcarve or façade retention options determined that operational carbon emissions of the latter would be 5% approximately per annum lower, with increased upfront embodied carbon emissions offset within 18 years through significantly lower operational emissions. The proposed scheme prioritised the circular economy with increased flexibility, adaptability and accessibility provided by the better floorplates and ceiling heights.

The scheme’s embodied carbon is currently measuring at 550kgCO2e/m2 (for stages A1-A5), which meets RIBA’s current best-practice rating of <600kgCO2e/m2 for office buildings and is progressing towards the RIBA stretch target of <475 kgCO2e/ m2. Savings have already been achieved through reduction in concrete thickness, specification of low-carbon concrete and retention of the existing façade. We will continue to target reductions through material re-use, such as sourcing re-used steel sections and remanufactured raised access floors.

The scheme is aiming for BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5 stars and WELL Gold, and is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Supporting Chelsea 2030 Targets

SUPPLIER CONSOLIDATION

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES:

Minimizing transport trips and reducing the number of vehicles on the roads will not only improve air quality, but also reduce embodied carbon.

Ensuring that remaining transport is undertaken on zero-emission vehicles will reduce embodied carbon of materials.

Beyond 2030

Cadogan will continue to work in partnership with stakeholders to reduce its embodied carbon, using our influence to support improvements materials, technology, processes, and knowledge sharing.