[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Tools for Measuring Embodied Carbon (section)” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|20px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blue box – architects are critical” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”19f92ca0-850f-4d09-a069-72fc36dea286″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
This list provides a quick overview of available tools for architects, engineers, and consultants to evaluate the environmental impacts of buildings and building materials using life cycle assessment.\u00a0 This is a non-exhaustive list that does not include many tools the Carbon Leadership is tracking that are still under development. We will continue to add to this list as tools are released.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Reducing the environmental impact of projects has long been a key consideration in the architecture community, from increasing operational energy efficiencies to supporting the electrification of buildings. Now, in the face of climate change, addressing embodied carbon is crucial in meeting decarbonization roles. The architecture profession can lead the way in going beyond operational carbon, the emissions associated with the energy used to operate the buildings, through addressing\u00a0embodied carbon\u00a0within their projects as well. Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with materials and construction processes over the entire life cycle of a building.<\/p>\n
Currently, the building industry generates almost 40% of annual CO2 emissions, illustrating that if significant reductions are taken, this industry can be a key leader in reaching decarbonization targets. Embodied carbon alone accounts for 11% of global annual emissions and is connected to issues of public health and equity. It is imperative that embodied carbon becomes a focus of emission reductions within the industry. By tackling embodied carbon in their projects, architects can drive significant change, working towards a zero-carbon, equitable, and healthy built environmental for all.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||20px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”92025298-fff8-4a7d-a3fc-b880d61f14e6″ link_text_color=”#0075A9″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Some of these tools conduct whole building LCA (evaluation of a full building or systems) while others are calculators that focus on individual materials or assemblies. To read more about the categories of tools included below, read the AIA-CLF Embodied Carbon Toolkit for Architects Part II: Measuring Embodied Carbon.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Tools for Measuring Embodied Carbon (section)” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ custom_margin=”40px|40px||40px|false|true” custom_padding=”||||false|true” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”32509″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Headline – design-integrated tools” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ custom_padding=”|40px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”88676cd6-512a-45b9-b4fd-2b2c042247d2″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Athena Impact Estimator<\/a> is a freestanding software package that can be used to complete WBLCA or to compare building assemblies and materials. The tool includes a wide range of materials for structural systems, enclosures, and interiors across all life-cycle stages. It is available free of charge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Beacon<\/a> is a plug-in for Revit that allows design teams to perform WBLCA within their design model. The tool facilitates the evaluation of structural systems and basic building materials such as concrete, steel and wood. The tool primarily uses LCA data from North American EPDs covering A1-A3 life cycle stages only. The tool is available free of charge.<\/span><\/p>\n Buildings and Habitat Object Model<\/a> (BHoM) is an open computational toolkit for integrated building performance analysis. The toolkit includes a module that facilitates WBLCA and comparisons of building systems, assemblies and individual materials. The toolkit is an open coding initiative and supports analysis via Grasshopper\/Rhino, Excel, and other formats. The tool also supports BIM integration and direct import of material quantities. BHoM connects material quantities to LCA data from multiple open-source databases including EC3, Quartz, ICE and others. The tool is an open-source project and is available free of charge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n H\\B:ERT<\/a> is a plug-in for Revit that allows design teams to perform WBLCA within their design model. The tool facilitates the evaluation of whole buildings, design options, building assemblies, and materials. It calculates impacts of a range of materials for structural systems, enclosures, and interiors across all life-cycle stages, drawing LCA data from the publicly-accessible ICE database. The tool is an open-source project and is available free of charge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n OneClick LCA<\/a> is a web-based tool that can be used to complete WBLCA or to compare building assemblies and materials. OneClick also makes several user-specific paid add-ons, including calculators for GHG emissions reporting, EPD generation, and infrastructure. The database includes EPDs and LCA data for most common building materials, as well as MEP and other categories. OneClick supports BIM integration and is offered with multiple licensing options.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tally <\/a>is a plug-in for Revit that allows design teams to perform WBLCA within their design model. The tool facilitates the evaluation of whole buildings, design options, building assemblies, materials, and products. It calculates impacts of a wide range of materials for structural systems, enclosures, and interiors across all life-cycle stages. It is subscription-based and available at a range of paid and free license options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Headline – calculators” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”product selection, calculators, etc.” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ custom_padding=”|40px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Build Carbon Neutral<\/a> is a web-based carbon calculator for high-level estimates of whole-building carbon impacts. The tool uses basic building information such as height, area, and structural system to apply carbon intensity factors. It is easy to use, and available free of charge.<\/p>\n C.Scale<\/a> is a web-based\u00a0decision-making tool to help designers, engineers, and owners compare strategies for whole life decarbonization, connecting early-phase design through to material selection. C.Scale’s ML-powered technology fills in context early in design to improve continuity between early-phase and more detailed modeling.<\/p>\n Kaleidoscope<\/a> is a web-based calculator used for comparing embodied carbon impacts of building assemblies. The tool contains information on 24 different facade assemblies and 17 flooring assemblies. All assemblies have been consistently modeled and report impacts per area basis that can be scaled up to represent a full project. For each assembly, the tool user can explore material-specific carbon impacts, and material health considerations. The tool draws from Tally WBLCA data and is available free of charge.<\/p>\n OneClick LCA Planetary<\/a> is a web-based calculator for exploring the impacts of 10 common carbon-intensive building materials. The tool measures cradle-to-gate impacts based on user entered quantities. It is available free of charge.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n EC3 (Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator)<\/a> is a free database of building material EPDs, used for product selection and procurement. The tool allows users to access published EPDs, compare products and materials, and calculate realized or potential reductions based on material quantities. Database includes materials for structural systems, enclosures, and a growing number of interiors and other products. The tool currently focuses on A1-A3 impacts, and only reports carbon emissions (GWP). The tool is available free of charge on a web-based platform.<\/p>\n Pathfinder<\/a> is a web-based calculator for quantifying GHG emissions and sequestration potential of landscape and site design projects. The tool quantifies carbon outputs from typical landscaping materials and practices as well as the sequestration rates of plantings. It is available free of charge.<\/p>\n Upstream<\/a> is an excel-based tool for evaluating wood products. The tool explores carbon emissions and biogenic carbon accounting across all life cycle stages. The tool includes customizable end-of-life scenarios and explores wood sourcing and carbon benefits associated with forest management (A0). impacts. The tool is currently in an open-beta and is available free of charge.<\/p>\n ZGF’s Concrete Tool<\/a> is an excel-based calculator for generating and comparing the LCA results of specific concrete mix designs using NRMCA regional benchmark information and WBLCA data from Tally. The tool is free to use and available via email.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Headline – Product Selection Procurement” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|20px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n EC3 (Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator)<\/a> is a free database of building material EPDs, used for product selection and procurement. The tool allows users to access published EPDs, compare products and materials, and calculate realized or potential reductions based on material quantities. Database includes materials for structural systems, enclosures, and a growing number of interiors and other products. The tool currently focuses on A1-A3 impacts, and only reports carbon emissions (GWP). The tool is available free of charge on a web-based platform.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Headline – professional LCA software” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”1a89e2a7-730b-4ba6-a42d-d7830fb28e8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|40px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n GaBi<\/a> is a professional LCA software used to conduct fully-customizable LCA models of materials, products, assemblies or systems. The tool is used to generate the background LCA results reported in many EPDs or other disclosure documentation. The tool is able to work with a range of LCI data sources, including the GaBi database and is available with a paid subscription.<\/p>\nDesign Integrated Tools<\/h2>\n
Athena Impact Estimator<\/h3>\n
Beacon<\/h3>\n
Buildings and Habitat Object Model (BHoM)<\/h3>\n
Hawkins Brown Emission Reduction Tool (H\\B:ERT)<\/h3>\n
OneClick<\/h3>\n
Tally<\/h3>\n
Calculators<\/h2>\n
Build Carbon Neutral<\/h3>\n
C.Scale<\/h3>\n
Kaleidoscope<\/h3>\n
OneClick LCA Planetary<\/h3>\n
Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3)<\/h3>\n
Pathfinder<\/h3>\n
Upstream<\/h3>\n
ZGF Concrete Tool<\/h3>\n
Product Selection\/Procurement<\/h2>\n
Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3)<\/h3>\n
Professional LCA Software<\/h2>\n
GaBi<\/h3>\n
OpenLCA<\/h3>\n