Embodied carbon is one of the most important factors in meeting goals for achieving net-zero. However, it is an inherently complex issue that requires innovative, coordinated and collaborative approaches to make lasting change.
This course will act as an introduction to embodied carbon for those who are starting their journey to addressing scope three emission or who want to be brought up to speed on the top-line information on what the industry is doing in this space.
Through a series of presentations from speakers, you’ll learn:
The fundamentals of embodied carbon – what is it and why is it critical?
Basics of measuring and benchmarking carbon including using a carbon calculator
Examples of low carbon materials
Shifting business concepts to lower embodied-carbon thinking – how do we design out carbon?
** please note that this course is an introduction to embodied carbon and will not cover more advanced information. Attendees who are already familiar with embodied carbon, are looking to expand their knowledge, or have attended this introductory class before should attend our embodied carbon masterclass also in July 2024.
With thanks to our Climate Positive partners
Agenda
Thursday, 11 Jul 2024
12:30 pm
Class welcome and introduction
12:35 pm
The embodied carbon context: what is it and why do we care?
This session will help set the scene, providing a clearer picture of where the industry is headed and why. Gain a stronger understanding of what embodied carbon is and how it fits into the overall goals for the built environment to achieve net-zero.
Defining embodied carbon and why it’s important
The business case for reducing embodied carbon
Overview of key strategies and barriers for reducing embodied carbon
Why supply chain collaboration is essential to achieving targets
How green star responds to embodied carbon
A demo of the upfront carbon emissions calculator
Emily Chung, Green Star Program Lead, GBCA
1:00 pm
Understanding carbon measurement and benchmarking
Gain a better understanding of how to measure embodied carbon, what methodologies and tools are available, and what data to collect.
Understanding the terminology and life cycle stages
The role of LCAs, EPDs and other tools
What data is needed and where to get it?
What does good and bad look like? Setting benchmarks, KPIs, references, and targets
Focusing on the outcome of reducing carbon, not the methodology
Katie Eyles, Sector Lead - Accelerating Net Zero Buildings, NABERS
1:25 pm
Discussion groups: measurement
What are your experiences with measuring embodied carbon to date?
What barriers have you faced? How have you overcome them?
How have or could you use the measurement data you’ve collected? What do you still need?
1:45 pm
Break
1:55 pm
Shifting business as usual: designing out carbon
Learn how new approaches to design and project management can help reduce embodied carbon in the built environment, and how to best engage the supply chain to get optimum results.
Embedding low embodied carbon design thinking from the start and including carbon as a success factor of project delivery
Understanding options and boundaries for reducing embodied carbon by design
When to engage and invest in different parts of the supply chain to ensure optimal decarbonised design
Understanding areas of responsibility and influence of different players in the supply chain for reducing embodied carbon
The presentation will provide an insight into a major construction material and one manufacturer’s journey to decarbonise. This session will cover:
What is being done to reduce embodied carbon in materials?
What products are available now and how do these compare to traditional materials (carbon, costs, specs etc)?
What is left to be done and how can we get there?
Evan Smith, National Sustainability Manager - Sustainable Construction, Holcim
2:35 pm
Discussion groups: where to next?
Where could you start on your journey to reduce embodied carbon? Or what could be your next steps?
Where can you have the most influence and add value to a project?
How can we improve collaboration to tackle this issue together?
2:55 pm
Closing remarks and end of course
Speakers
Emily Chung - Green Building Council of Australia
Green Star Program Lead
About Emily
As the Green Star Program Lead at the GBCA, Emily leads the development and implementation of the Green Star Buildings rating tool. She has a background in structural engineering and a strong interest in carbon positive buildings.
Evan Smith - Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd
National Sustainability Lead
About Evan
Evan Smith has over 17 years of environmental and sustainability experience within the rail, road, infrastructure, construction and mining sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and is also a Chartered and Registered Engineer. Evan was pivotal in the delivery of Australia's first Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for ready-mix concrete and most recently Australia's first carbon neutral ready-mix concrete supply.
Catherine Trinh - Lendlease Group Services Pty Ltd
Sustainability Consultant
About Catherine
Catherine started her journey as a sustainability consultant at Lendlease in 2022. In her role as part of the Sustainable Futures team, she provides tailored technical advice within the Lendlease business from early design stage through to the construction and delivery of Lendlease's building projects. She has had experience in Life Cycle Assessment, Circular Economy, Climate Change and Adaptation and Resilience plans. Catherine has completed a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) and
Katie Eyles - National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS)
Sector Lead - Accelerating Net Zero Buildings
About Katie
Katie is the Accelerating Net Zero Buildings lead at NABERS. Her team is developing an embodied carbon rating tool that will measure, verify and compare embodied carbon in new buildings and major refurbishments. A core aspect of this work is collaborating with people across the building industry, to ensure we develop a tool that's trusted, meaningful, and drives behaviour change to reduce emissions.
Agenda
