5. Life carbon assessment This chapter provides the foundation and method of calculating embodied, an adaption of the guide listed as ‘RICS professional standards and guidance, UK: Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment’ 25, Figure 3 represents typical scope of procedure spanning the complete life cycle of a medium scale residential building(s). The resulting data can be used as a tool by designers to make meaningful comparisons to determine the emission output and inform design iterations, specific of each building element to effectively reduce in an individualistic capacity to net zero carbon. Each resulting data point can vary drastically based on the building construction typology and the definition and characteristic of materials specified. The references to embodied carbon data used in this study are UK aligned to distinguish the clarity of materials where the composition, sourcing and manufacture are often left to the discretion of individual(s), regulated by state governments. The amount of carbon is represented by the kilogram per carbon dioxide approximation, or kgCO2e, also known as the global warming potential 26. Product stage. The modules A1-A3 takes into consideration the kgCO2e defined through material sourcing, processing, and manufacturing. This concerns materials that are both raw and complied into components, The carbon is also measured between transportation up until the material is brought to site. This stage does not consider the amount of kgCO2e which has been recycled in the materials components. Construction stage. A4 & A5 considers the carbon released during the shipping of materials to the construction site. This also includes any preparation needed to house the materials in relation to maintaining optimal functionality. Use stage. B1-B7 calculates the carbon released in relation to the operation of the building. This scope covers the required energy and water demand to operate the building as well as maintaining the functionality of materials. End of life stage. C1- C4, considers the carbon released during the end-of-life phase in a building. From demolition to disposing of materials. Beyond the life cycle stage. This final stage responds to carbon that can be recovered during the life cycle.
25
Sturgis, Simon. "Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment". (London: Royal institution of chartered
surveyors. 2020) 26
Gibbons. O. P & Orr. J. J, “How to calculate embodied carbon” (London: The institute of structural engineers, 2020) 1,2
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