Building teams are proving they can reduce embodied carbon on projects without raising costs

Construction project teams are proving they can reduce embodied carbon emissions from buildings without raising costs, according to a report by the Rocky Mountain Institute and Skanska.

Advances in data, stronger standards, and smarter procurement are enabling teams to successfully attain embodied carbon reduction targets, the report says.

Confidence in embodied carbon measurements is improving steadily through higher-quality data, greater industry participation, and more robust measurement tools.

Several guidance documents, including ASHRAE/ICC’s 240P Standard for all buildings, RESNET’s 1550 Standard for residential buildings, and ASCE’s Prestandard for structural systems, provide the industry with verifiable means of measuring and reporting embodied carbon consistently.

The market is responding positively to embodied carbon reduction efforts, as reflected in various certifications, incentive programs, and financing mechanisms.

On many projects, Skanska has selected bids that delivered both the lowest cost and the lowest embodied carbon construction and materials, proving the two aren’t at odds. One project used mass timber to reduce embodied carbon by 78% compared to steel, for just a 1.25% upfront cost premium, with added acoustic and occupant well-being benefits that add value. Another project, a renovation at the University of Washington, reduced cradle-to-gate embodied carbon 77% and cut costs 46% compared to new construction.