The carbon emissions embodied in a building can be a significant share of its total emissions over its whole life – particularly as energy efficiency improves and the electricity grid decarbonises. But what is the best way to measure embodied carbon? NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) is developing a new rating tool to measure, compare and certify the embodied carbon footprint of buildings. Consultation is open until 14 February 2023.
Ivana Brown, the NABERS Sector Lead - Accelerating Net Zero Buildings, presented the Embodied Emissions Tool. Nicole Sullivan, our Head of Strategy and Impact Australia, hosted the webinar, alongside Jeff Vickers, our Technical Director.
Here's a preview of the webinar
Main webinar takeaways
Please give feedback
NABERS would love your feedback! The proposed rating tool will impact Australian industries, including building construction and design, and commercial and retail development. Consultation is open until 14 February 2023.
Embodied carbon is a large, growing problem
Embodied carbon refers to the emissions ‘embodied’ in both the building materials and the processes required to create and demolish buildings. That includes the carbon emitted when making steel and concrete. Operational carbon – emissions from heating a building, etc – will decrease as energy efficiency improves and the electricity grid decarbonises. Embodied carbon is a big challenge that will get bigger if not addressed.
Lots of collaboration across the industry
Development of the rating tool was very collaborative. NABERS consulted with more than 200 individuals, 140 organisations, 39 workshops, plus an expert panel and technical advisers.
System developed to get greatest agreement
The needs of the market were a major focus for developing the rating tool. A ‘traffic light system’ checked each proposal against these market needs, then further tested and refined each.
This webinar was recorded 14 December 2022