Beyond Energy Efficiency: How to Address The Carbon Impact of Building Materials (1.5LU|ZNCD)

The architectural community has made incredible gains in the last few decades in dramatically reducing the operational carbon emissions of buildings through energy efficiency measures in building enclosures and mechanicals. However, to achieve the critical and ambitious climate action goals required of our industry to realize a decarbonized built environment, we must address the tons of near-term emissions released prior to our building’s occupation during the production of building materials. Using a combination of goal-setting, carbon accounting tools, and good design process, we can use our power as designers and architects to turn some of the largest emitters of carbon emissions in our buildings into carbon sinks. In this session, the presenters will explore the What, Why, and How of reducing the pre-occupancy carbon impact of our buildings and leave you with tangible steps to address this crucial component of our work in achieving zero carbon buildings.