From Foundation to Finish: Fitting Embodied Carbon into our Decarbonization Goals
Addressing carbon emissions is not only about the energy a building uses to operate. Up to half of a building’s carbon emissions are produced before the doors even open. These “embodied carbon” emissions are created during the manufacture, transportation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. From the concrete in the foundation of a building to the finishing materials, furnishings and appliances selected, embodied carbon is often a missing piece of the total carbon puzzle. This forum will discuss how California’s Green Building Code addresses embodied carbon, design choices that can reduce emissions over a building’s lifecycle, and how local governments can lead the way in addressing embodied carbon. This online Forum is free and open to all.
Welcome and Introductions
Emily Alvarez, County of Alameda BayREN Representative | Watch recorded presentation
Understanding Embodied Carbon and Tradeoffs with Operational Emissions
• Reducing Embodied Carbon in CALGreen & Beyond
Wes Sullens, U. S. Green Building Council | Watch recorded presentation
• Tradeoffs Between Operational & Embodied Carbon in Building Envelopes
Christine Tiffin, Arup | Watch recorded presentation
• Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment: Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Embodied Impacts
Matt Roberts, Center for the Built Environment, UC Berkeley| Watch recorded presentation
• Panel 1 Q&A | Watch recorded presentation
Local Governments Leading by Example
• Palo Alto’s Deconstruction & Construction Materials Management Ordinance
Maybo AuYeung, City of Palo Alto | Watch recorded presentation
• Embodied Carbon Reduction: 1026 Escobar Street Project
Eric Angstadt, Contra Costa County | Watch recorded presentation
• Institutionalizing Embodied Carbon for Municipal Projects
Brian Reyes, City and County of San Francisco | Watch recorded presentation
• 500 County Center (COB3): A Mass Timber Civic Building
Sam Lin, County of San Mateo | Watch recorded presentation
• Panel 2 Q&A and Closing Remarks |Watch recorded presentation
Other Resources:
BayREN Q1 2025 Regional Forum Q&A Log