Changing the way we look at carbon

 

There are two types of carbon emissions with respect to a building: operational carbon and embodied carbon. Operational carbon refers to carbon dioxide emitted during the life of a building, emissions from heating, cooling, lighting, etc. Embodied carbon refers to carbon dioxide emitted during the extraction, manufacture, and transport of building materials. Learn more about specific and practical strategies for selecting products and materials that reduce embodied carbon emissions and move the industry toward making carbon-storing products the rule, rather than the exception. 

What is materialsCAN?

materialsCAN includes members of the global building industry that are ready to act on the smart prioritization of embodied carbon in building materials. Find us on Twitter and LinkedIn, or learn what you can do now to start addressing the embodied carbon in your projects.
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Measuring for success

Remember to evaluate and choose building materials with a low carbon footprint. You can measure your carbon footprint with the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator, or you can learn even more practical strategies for selecting products and materials that reduce embodied carbon emissions through continuing education.
Calculate Your Material Footprint Educate Yourself

Embodied Carbon Resources

Class Assignment Templates (courtesy of San Jose State)

Architectural Material Flow Chart Resources Life Cost Assessment

Case Studies

Additional Partners

Get involved in materialsCAN

Have questions? Contact us and learn more about our initiatives around embodied carbon.
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