Global architecture firm Perkins & Will says it will issue its clients a “carbon forecast” for their projects.
This tool is an effort to “facilitate measurable and meaningful carbon reduction in the built environment,” according to a news release. Carbon forecasts will help clients understand their projects’ carbon emissions, and the impact of those emissions on human and environmental health, at the earliest stages of design.
The forecasts will include information on building design, construction, and operation (known as whole-life-carbon). And, importantly, they will identify steps clients and project teams can take to reduce those emissions.
The forecasts will include options on how to reduce operational carbon through passive design, minimization of energy loads, optimization of systems, disconnection from unclean fuel sources, and integration of renewable energy. Measures for realizing maximum reductions in embodied carbon will be offered.
In addition, the firm will provide opportunities for enabling circular design that can minimize material waste, maximize material reuse, and optimize environments for material health.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
China claims top ranking outside of U.S. for total LEED-certified space
Canada, India, Brazil, and Korea round out top 5.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2017
2018 building energy code upholds efficiency gains
Efforts to scale back efficiency requirements largely defeated.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2017
Low-income housing doesn’t lower neighborhood housing values
A Trulia study contradicts longstanding fears.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2017
Intelligent transportation systems have implications for designers, construction firms
Sensors and Internet of Things devices will have to be embedded in infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2016
OSHA releases safety recommendation guide for construction industry
It is said to be most helpful to small and mid-sized contractors.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2016
Cities must invest $375 billion to avoid catastrophic global climate change
C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group advocates low carbon infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2016
Resilient construction techniques pay for themselves over lifetime of buildings
Spending $340,000 for resiliency would pay for itself over the lifetime of a $10 million structure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2016
Dept. of Energy launches program to advance zero energy school design
Six school districts and two states are among the first to mainstream zero energy schools.
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2016
California city’s plan for net zero building includes net zero water usage
Santa Monica city services building aims for highest level of sustainability.