Introduction to Embodied Carbon-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation introduces embodied carbon—the greenhouse-gas emissions associated with constructing buildings and transportation infrastructure—and explains why reducing it is urgent. Global building stock is expected to double by 2060, while human activity has already caused about 1°C of warming. The speakers argue that changes over the next decade can significantly affect future climate outcomes.<br /><br />Embodied carbon is commonly measured as global warming potential (GWP), expressed in kilograms of CO₂-equivalent per unit of material or floor area. In buildings, floors and framing can make up a substantial share of structural emissions; foundations may also be significant.<br /><br />For concrete, cement is the main emissions driver: although it represents a small portion of the mix by volume, it accounts for most of its carbon impact. Reducing cement content—through supplementary materials such as slag, fly ash, or silica fume, or by specifying appropriate strength—can lower emissions. For steel, production method matters: electric arc furnaces generally have much lower embodied carbon than basic oxygen furnaces. Because designers often cannot choose the furnace source, reducing the quantity of steel is an important strategy.<br /><br />Structural engineers can influence emissions early through system selection and grid layout, then optimize individual elements. The presentation compares steel and concrete framing options and notes that system choices can produce large differences in embodied carbon. Reusing or strengthening existing foundations and structures may also avoid emissions from replacement.<br /><br />A bridge case study highlights the need to consider not only material emissions, but also lifecycle, construction, and detour impacts. Suggested actions include using concrete EPDs, increasing cement replacement, reducing foundation elements, and evaluating construction methods and service life. Government and industry programs are increasingly using EPDs, emissions limits, and procurement policies to encourage lower-carbon materials.

Keywords

embodied carbon

greenhouse gas emissions

global warming potential

concrete

cement replacement

steel production

structural engineering

EPDs

low-carbon materials

bridge lifecycle