7 ProjectSight White Paper
5 Pivotal Steps to Reduce Embodied Carbon on Your Next Building Project
4. Designing With a Long-Term Low-Carbon Approach
In all their decisions, designers and architects must take a fully integrated approach that considers
the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Not only should they consider the carbon emissions impact of the
materials and construction itself, but they need also to consider long-term impacts such as ongoing
energy, water, and material needs across the lifecycle of the building. One example is designing a
building to maximize natural light and warmth, particularly if it will be constructed in a chilly climate.
Over time, such a design will yield a significant reduction in energy use.
5. Leading by Example
Asset owners will need to lead by example in requiring all projects to become net-zero for
embodied carbon. They will need to prioritize environmental impacts, changing how they approach
vendor and partner selection—and even how they fund projects. The good news is that choosing
sustainability pays off in both the long and short term. Use of LEED and other certification
standards also increases the resale and rental value of residential buildings.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings have
maintenance costs almost 20 percent lower
13
than traditional commercial buildings.
Building owners have seen a 10 percent or greater increase in asset value
14
when
they choose to invest in green building practices.
What Can General Contractors Do?
The path to reducing the embodied carbon footprint of the construction industry will place
general contractors at the forefront as they interact with stakeholders across the entire value
chain. Contractors have the knowledge to influence the materials that are used, the construction
processes that are employed, and ultimately, the carbon impact made during the build stage.
A contractor is a central hub of knowledge, influencing both upstream and downstream activities
and decisions.
