Low embodied carbon residential building supply inventory
Researching the embodied carbon reduction potential of low-rise construction and development of a low-carbon building supply inventory
Publication Type: UBC Sustainability Scholars Report
Author:
Shiva Zargar, Ph.D. Candidate at the Sustainable Bioeconomy Research Group, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
As part of her role as a University of British Columbia Sustainability Scholar, Shiva conducted research on the embodied carbon reduction potential of low-rise construction, focusing on the development of a low-carbon building supply inventory. This project aimed to identify locally available materials and strategies that can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of residential buildings in Vancouver, contributing to the city’s ambitious sustainability goals.
Executive Summary:
Reducing carbon emissions from buildings is crucial for lowering Canada’s overall carbon footprint. In Canada, buildings account for 13 percent of total emissions, which can be divided into embodied carbon (EC) and operational carbon (OC). EC emissions are generated during the production, transportation, and assembly of building materials. It's projected that 50 percent of carbon emissions from new construction projects through 2050 will come from EC. The Paris Agreement mandates a reduction of EC in all new buildings, infrastructure, and renovations by at least 40% by 2030, aiming for net-zero EC by 2050. In alignment with this, the Vancouver City Council has set a target to reduce EC emissions by 40% by 2030 as part of its climate emergency declaration.
Research Objectives:
Inventory of Locally Available Materials:
Compiled an inventory of materials and products available in the Vancouver market for low-rise residential buildings, including supplier contact information.
Assessment of Embodied Carbon Reduction Potential:
Evaluated the potential reduction in EC emissions for low-rise residential buildings using locally available materials.
To explore the full details and results of this project, you can access the complete report here.
Contact Information:
For further inquiries or advising services related to the life cycle assessment of construction materials and procuring construction materials, please contact hello@buildneutral.ca