In the realm of sustainable construction, the term "embodied carbon" has been gaining traction as a critical factor in assessing the environmental impact of buildings. While much attention has historically been focused on operational carbon emissions generated during a building's lifecycle, the significance of embodied carbon cannot be overstated.
According to the Carbon Leadership Forum, embodied carbon refers to the total global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with the extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and assembly of building materials. It encompasses the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, from the initial stages of material production to the eventual demolition or renovation.