While AP was building an office project in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex a few years ago, the developer asked if AP could track the amount of embodied carbon realized from the materials and products used on the project. The goal: track embodied carbon from the products and materials used in this project, as well as plan for how to be more sustainable in future projects. This was a great way to implement new technology and work toward one of AP’s sustainability goals of using a carbon calculator on every project.
Helping everyone understand what embodied carbon is and why it’s important to measure was the first step. Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance and disposal of building materials, according to the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF), a nonprofit organization at the University of Washington. The organization is dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the building sector to radically reduce the embodied carbon in building materials and construction through collective action.
Approximately 30% of all global carbon emissions are attributed to the building sector, with at least 8% resulting from the manufacture of construction materials, according to CLF data.
As we embarked on tracking the carbon emissions, we used a free tool provided by the CLF called the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) tool. The price is right, and it is simple to use. It allows benchmarking, assessment and reductions in embodied carbon by focusing largely on the upfront supply-chain emissions of construction materials.
The EC3 tool uses building material quantities and/or BIM models and a database of digital, third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) written to conform with international standards, that report the environmental impacts of a product. CLF provides material baselines for the EC3 tool, using digital EPDs of products used during construction. These dynamic databases are updated routinely as new products are added while upstream data on key processes, such as the carbon intensity of regional electricity grids, are revised.
AP’s ultimate goal was to understand how the tool works and functions within the database. Measuring products such as concrete was a learning experience for us. There were times we couldn’t find the exact EPD of the products used, so we measured by the closest match.
From this experience, we gained more understanding of what EC3 is and how we could use this tool in future projects and put sustainability on the radar from the start. The tool is best utilized early in the process when materials are selected for a project.
For instance, on the original project where we tested the EC3 tool, we started tracking the embodied carbon after materials were already selected. In this case, the owner wanted to understand the project’s embodied carbon footprint based on the materials and products procured for the project using the EC3 Tool.
The project was divided into various master format divisions and scopes to track the embodied carbon realized from each product. Based on each product’s data, a relatively equivalent product was chosen from the EC3’s database of EPDs that best matched the product parameters such as its physical properties, location of manufacturing, etc.
Ultimately, we just helped them track the amount of embodied carbon realized within this project’s construction parameters. When used in the design and procurement phases of a construction project, it can enable the selection and procurement of low-carbon options. We will work closely with our clients and architects to incorporate the EC3 tool going forward, as it is one of AP’s sustainability goals to consistently leverage a carbon calculator on every project.
Using the EC3 tool can be as simple as tracking the embodied carbon of the materials we are using or as extensive as discussing with the owner and architect a project’s sustainability expectations. The tool can help designers select materials based on costs and carbon emissions, allowing them to work with trade partners to source the best products possible.
This technology is a good starting point. It is crucial to have technology help make things happen; this allows these initiatives to move forward and bring sustainability into the picture in a simpler fashion. We now have a good idea of how EC3 works, and it has truly helped our sustainability efforts.
If I’m an owner and I want to build my project as sustainably as possible, this technology will support achieving that goal. The EC3 database has been a helpful tool to assist construction professionals in making informed decisions.
Ultimately, it’s high time for the building sector to do more and bring down the 30% global carbon emissions to save our planet for future generations.
Enduring structures are the foundation of sustainability. Working collaboratively, we will find sustainable building features that meet client project goals and long-term needs. Our approach is to work with clients and the design team to find the best solutions to reduce energy consumption, decrease environmental impacts and support the long-term visions of a client’s building. By balancing client project ambitions with the project budget and schedule, our expert team brings forth innovative ideas that are feasible for the construction of a client’s building so appropriate design opportunities can be realized. In addition, our team works with the client to understand the maintenance needs and the long-term economic benefits of sustainability options.
AP consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top green builders. Our current ENR rankings include:
#1 Green Contractor in MN-based GCs
#3 Green Builder in Education
#22 Top 100 Green Contractors
Additional Sustainability Goals in Process
