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The Secret of Operational and Embodied Carbon: Do You Know the Hidden Emissions of Buildings?
As global attention to sustainable development continues to rise, the carbon emissions issue in the construction industry has also received widespread attention. According to a United Nations report, the construction industry accounts for 38% of global carbon emissions each year. However, many people only focus on the reduction of operational carbon and ignore the impact of embodied carbon. Operational carbon refers to the carbon emissions produced by a building during its use, including emissions from heating, lighting and air conditioning. Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emitted during the production, transportation and construction operations of building materials. Both levels contribute to environmental impacts but are often confused.
In the design process of a building, both operational and embodied carbon must be considered to achieve true sustainability.
For many architects, improving the energy efficiency of buildings is their main task, and they will take many measures to achieve this goal, such as using efficient HVAC systems and installing solar panels to generate clean energy. Yet behind these efforts, embodied carbon is often overlooked. Take steel and cement as examples. These materials cause huge damage to the environment during the production process. The carbon emissions of cement even account for 8% of global emissions.
To achieve truly sustainable architecture, designers must be aware of the lasting impact that building material choices will have on the environment.
The choice of sustainable building materials is crucial during the design and construction of a building. Most people’s understanding of embodied carbon remains vague, resulting in a failure to consider the environmental impact of materials when building. For example, using recycled materials, low-carbon materials and long-life materials can significantly reduce embodied carbon, thereby lowering overall carbon emissions. Furthermore, the positioning and design of the building, such as natural lighting and ventilation design, will also affect operational carbon emissions.
With the rise of sustainable construction, recycled and low-impact materials, such as bamboo and recycled plastics, are receiving increasing attention. These materials can not only reduce a significant carbon footprint, but also effectively improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The selection of construction materials should fully consider the carbon emissions during their production from the beginning.
Sustainable buildings should pay attention to the environmental impact of the production process, not just the energy efficiency of their use.
Many architectural experts are calling for an update of architectural design education, moving away from pure technology and efficiency to a broader social and cultural framework. Historical and cultural considerations will allow future building designs to better integrate with the natural environment to achieve true harmony.
Continuously learning how to integrate advanced construction technology and sustainable materials can not only reduce operational carbon emissions, but also effectively manage embodied carbon, making architectural design more responsible. In addition, society's awareness of environmental impacts is also increasing, and more open dialogue can help form more comprehensive solutions.
Through continuous research and innovation, we can set higher sustainable building standards to achieve the ideal of sustainable development.
Faced with the challenges of global warming and environmental damage, paying attention to operational carbon and embodied carbon in buildings has become key. Not only do we need to improve energy efficiency, but we also need to consider the life cycle of building materials and their potential impact on the environment. Therefore, as designers and architects, we should make full use of the latest technologies and materials to create a more sustainable lifestyle for the future.
However, can we balance environmental protection while promoting economic development, and how to ensure a better and more sustainable living environment for the next generation?
