The Developer’s Guide to Embodied Carbon | ULI

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A Practical Guide to Reducing Embodied Carbon Across the Building Lifecycle

Reducing embodied carbon is becoming a top priority for real estate professionals. Embodied carbon refers to the emissions generated by the extraction, production, transportation, and disposal of building materials. It contributes about 11% of global carbon emissions annually and can account for up to half of a building’s total emissions over its lifetime. The key challenge is that these emissions are “locked in” before construction even begins, making early interventions critical to reducing their impact.

A significant opportunity exists for real estate developers and owners to reduce embodied carbon through strategic interventions at various stages of a building’s lifecycle. This includes phases like design, construction, and even operations. By addressing embodied carbon early on, developers not only contribute to sustainability goals but also benefit from improved building value, faster lease-ups, and reduced costs. Additionally, regulatory pressures and growing tenant demand for sustainable buildings are accelerating the need for action.

The Developer’s Guide to Embodied Carbon offers real estate teams a comprehensive manual for reducing these emissions. It outlines key intervention points during the concept, design, construction, operations, and end-of-life stages. Real-world examples show how these strategies have been successfully implemented, making the case for a sustainable, carbon-conscious approach in development.

This resource is a valuable tool for any developer looking to navigate embodied carbon reduction effectively. It provides clear, actionable steps for each phase, ensuring that sustainability is embedded into the project from the start.

Check the full report here: https://bit.ly/3Dh9FOZ