Digital-embodied carbon calculator helps to reduce industry emissions

Companies across several industries have come together to create the first free tool that allows for supply chain specific analysis of embodied carbon data

Spotted: Companies across architectural, engineering and construction industries have collaborated, in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and counter climate change. The Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) is free to use, and aims to tackle the embodied carbon emissions that come from the manufacturing, transport and installation of construction materials, which are fixed at the point of the building’s completion.  

The EC3 tool calculates the embodied carbon emissions associated with material production and construction processes and is designed to guide architects, engineers and policy-makers to choose the more sustainable option. Its database includes more than 16,000 materials, which consist of concrete, steel, wood, glass, aluminum, insulation, gypsum, carpet and ceiling tiles. As this information was previously only available as PDF files that were inconsistently formatted and saved in different databases, direct comparisons had been difficult. Furthermore, the EC3 tool can be used to make standardised Environmental Product Declarations, verifying that the data is accurate.

EC3 is currently in public beta and is accessible for free after registering on the Building Transparency website. A primer then acts as a guide on how to incorporate the tool into various stages of the design, building and procurement, and construction process. All data collected is private and confidential.  

Explore more: Property & Construction Innovations | Architecture & Design Innovations | Sustainability Innovations