Abstract:
The UK government has set a target to significantly reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 47% of
all UK CO2 emissions are linked to the construction and operation of the built environment. Buildings emit
two types of carbon namely operational carbon (OC) and embodied carbon(EC). Operational carbon is
regulated in the UK as it contributes up to 70-80% of total emissions. Further, EC reduction is top priority
with the rise of demand for zero carbon buildings and EC is unregulated at present. EC can be controlled
by vigilant building designs, selection of low carbon materials and technologies. Estimating EC of building
will provide better understanding of the carbon significant elements and enable designers to make informed
decisions. Accordingly, a case study of an apartment building located in Sunderland in the UK is selected
for the study. EC estimates were prepared using priced Bill of Quantities of the building and carbon
blackbook. Then, the building elements were classified as per BCIS (Building Cost Information Services)
element classification and the carbon significant elements were identified in the case study building. Frame
was identified as the most carbon significant element. External walls including windows and doors, upper
floors, substructure, internal finishes, roof and internal walls & partitions were identified in descending
order of carbon significant elements. Further, comparative analysis of EC between an apartment building
and an office building was conducted. The office building carbon significant elements were found to be
different from that of an apartment building. Findings of the case study building can inform designers about
the elements that has an immense reduction potential and worth investing in low carbon technologies and
materials. However, the findings are based on a single case study and, hence, cannot be generalised but
can be seen as an exemplar for further research.
