When it comes to calculating, considering and reporting on embodied carbon, many within the construction and engineering industries are perhaps still finding their feet. Indeed, it can be an initially overwhelming process, requiring an understanding of what tool to use, why and when. Read on, as we try to take away some of this confusion…
Within the built environment, around 50% of a building’s total embodied carbon is specified during Stage Two of the RIBA Plan of Works (PoW): Concept Design. As such, this is clearly a priority phase of the wider construction sequence where attention needs to be paid to reducing these carbon emissions and designing greener.
During the Concept Design phase, engineers will utilise structural design and analysis tools, such as Tekla Structural Designer, to plan out the building or structure. By making decisions regarding the grid type, column layout, load transfers and substructure (for example), engineers will determine the most efficient, sustainable and cost-effective structural design.
Easily view the lowest utilisations alongside the highest carbon members in Tekla Structural Designer.
Generally speaking, Stage Two of the RIBA PoW equates to Stages A1-A3 of the Carbon Lifecycle sequence, which is when the Carbon Calculator tool in Tekla Structural Designer comes into play. This tool enables engineers to bring carbon into the design and decision-making process, in as much the same way as cost, time and quality drivers already are. With the live carbon calculations and the added insight offered into the performance of the building, it can inform better and greener decisions.
