These characteristics, when coupled with a focus on procuring low embodied carbon materials and equipment, can deliver objectively low embodied carbon designs, despite the additional material volume.. Based on the above, it can be observed that some of the inherent characteristics of Passivhaus increase embodied carbon whilst others reduce it.

Whilst these four bodies have been essential in pushing the agenda for low carbon, there has been some confusion across the industry due to the misalignment of targets and WLCA scopes between them as demonstrated in Figure 3.LETI has been working in collaboration with other bodies and industry groups to resolve these inconsistencies and have published the ‘Embodied carbon target alignment document’.. Based on this document and the comparison of the current targets defined by LETI, RIBA and GLA, an average performance for non-domestic commercial building performance (A-C) would be to achieve an embodied carbon around 1400kgCO.

/m², good practice would be below 970kgCO.and best practice below 550kgCO.This lower threshold is only achievable by refurbished buildings and timber structures that account for carbon sequestration and design with ambitious low carbon specifications.. Bryden Wood aspires to design new buildings that achieve at least the good practice thresholds shown in Figure 4 and where feasible deliver best practice performance.

In order to be able to meet these aspirations, it is necessary to develop a clear strategy for both embodied and operational carbon..From LETI: graphic showing the range of performance based on benchmarked projects..

Comparison embodied carbon targets from RIBA, LETI and GLA.

Achieving net zero operational and embodied carbon with lean design and modern methods of construction.This will become an attractive proposition for communities, to keep jobs, attract other investment and create a better local environment.. A significant impact on global carbon emissions.

Together with Terra Praxis and the wider team, Bryden Wood are developing the standardised, P-DfMA engineering solution and the digital platform with the necessary tools and services to attract enough customers and enough suppliers to this system.Initially, our focus will be on the United States because the US is a large consumer of coal-based energy, and we are more familiar with the North American situation in terms of supply chains and regulations.

But this approach is designed to be rolled out world-wide and to attract customers and supply chain partners to realise coal plant refurbishments in other critical locations.Fourth generation nuclear reactors will likely be available by 2027, by which time the platform will be sufficiently developed to realise carbon savings at a massive scale by the end of this decade.