EXPLORING EMBODIED CARBON

Macerich is at the forefront of a new frontier of environmental responsibility — reducing embodied carbon. Embodied carbon refers to the total amount of carbon emissions associated with the production, transportation and disposal of a product or material. It takes into account the entire life cycle of the product, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling. The need is vital: Buildings account for 39% of energy-related global carbon emissions on an annual basis. Some 25% of these emissions are a result of embodied carbon.

Opportunities include choosing recycled materials, low-carbon concrete, mass timber as a structural alternative to steel or concrete and more locally sourced materials. To date, our successes include:

• Choosing eco-friendly drywall in our renovation at Scottsdale Fashion Square for a 6% carbon-footprint reduction at an affordable cost

• Repurposing buildings, such as our conversion of an empty department store box at Scottsdale Fashion Square into several retailers, including Apple and high-end coworking space Industrious

• Investigating the use of mass timber for several buildings in the FlatIron Village redevelopment

While we are just beginning to implement our embodied carbon reductions, we are optimistic that this work can make a meaningful difference to our people, our communities and our planet.

PEOPLE PERSPECTIVE: EMBODIED CARBON

"To support our goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, we created a task force to investigate Development’s embodied carbon footprint. Since 2021, we have collected data, consulted with various experts in the field of sustainability and begun to implement best practices that reduce embodied carbon for all of our projects. None of this would be possible without executive support and Macerich’s commitment to bettering our environment. It’s exciting to be part of this effort."

John Wallace VP, Construction | Phoenix Office