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RICS publishes information paper on measurement of embodied carbon22nd August 2012

The RICS has responded to the Government’s Low Carbon Construction Action Plan (published June 2011) by publishing an information paper Methodology to Measure Embodied Carbon of Materials, in a first step to enabling whole-life carbon appraisals on building projects.

The paper responds directly to the call for embodied carbon to be considered at every stage of the construction process as well as during operation. To achieve this, a standard method of measuring embodied carbon was required.

Aimed at quantity surveyors, building surveyors, building control surveyors and project managers, the paper sets out a practical approach by which carbon emissions during the construction of a building can be measured. The methodology has been developed following a successful industry-wide consultation, which saw an unprecedented response from stakeholders and industry bodies. The paper was well received across the industry with many highlighting possible extensions for the future such as including a measurement for sequestration, the carbon captured in wood building materials.

Martin Russell-Croucher, Director of Sustainability and Special Projects RICS, who managed the development of this paper said: “This paper is an important first step in producing a carbon assessment system, which will support and enable our members to deliver whole-life (embodied + operational) carbon appraisals in line with government ambitions for these to be factored into feasibility studies. By using this methodology our members can therefore contribute to the wider UK carbon reduction agenda.”

Lead author of the paper Sean Lockie, BA, BPlan, MSc, BIFM, MRICS said: "Embodied carbon is really significant because it is carbon emissions we emit today through manufacturing the products we use on our projects. In construction, carbon is emitted during the construction process through the extraction and processing of resources to make building materials like cement, bricks, glass etc.

“The RICS methodology for calculating embodied carbon gives the surveying industry a consistent methodology for calculating and then mitigating the carbon emitted. It will give the QS a framework to calculate the embodied carbon in a systematic, quick and carbon significant way."

Matt Fulford, Head of Buildings at Sustain, who sat on the paper’s working group said: “Sustain welcome the publication by the RICS of the guidance note on embodied carbon. This will be of great support to industry practitioners in developing a consistent approach to measurement and reporting in this area. Embodied carbon should not be underestimated and is a major development area for surveyors as the operational carbon elements reduces to near zero and the embodied carbon elements of construction becomes a significantly higher proportion.”

The note stresses the importance of developing a methodological plan to the measurement of carbon and gives comparisons between the levels of embodied carbon within new build versus refurbishment. Calculation methodologies (including assessment boundaries), tools, and data sources for measuring carbon are included, as well as a step by step guide on how to conduct an assessment during the following phases of a building project:
 

  • Design
  • Materials and product manufacture


For more information on the 'Methodology to Measure Embodied Carbon of Materials' paper visit http://www.rics.org/embodiedcarbon

Tags: Rics

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