Beyond measurement: minimising embodied carbon in construction

The global construction carbon footprint has doubled over the past three decades and under the business-as-usual scenario, the construction carbon footprint alone could exceed the per-annum carbon budget for the global climate targets in the next two decades.

This lecture discussed challenges and opportunities of minimising the embodied footprint of construction projects. It shared an understanding of assessment of embodied carbon according to frameworks and standards and how strategies can be developed to minimise carbon emissions stemmed from all stages of the construction, including materials, transportation, services, machinery, and on-site activities. Using insights from major infrastructure projects, the lecture demonstrated how embedding sustainable design and construction practices from the outset can enable the achievement of ambitious low-carbon targets.

The lecture covered:

• Embodied carbon

• Sustainable construction

• Climate resilience

• Resource efficiency

Speakers

Chair: Thomas Hesslenberg

Chair: Thomas Hesslenberg

Head of Sustainability & Resilience, IStructE

Thomas is the Head of Sustainability & Resilience at the IStructE and is passionate about supporting structural engineers in their efforts to understand their carbon impact and how they can decarbonise their projects. Previously, at Elliott Wood, Thomas was heavily involved in the development of the IStructE’s Structural Carbon Tool and led on its development following the recent revisions to the RICS Professional Statement on Whole Life Carbon Assessments. He was part of ACAN's Embodied Carbon group and now sits on the steering group for the Engineers Reuse Collective. 
 

Dr. Mithila Achintha

Dr. Mithila Achintha

Senior Lecturer, The University of Manchester

Dr Mithila, FIStructE is a chartered engineer, who specialises in structural engineering and construction materials focusing on sustainability. His recent research includes creating models/tools supporting the construction industry’s move towards Net Zero by accurately assessing embodied carbon and promoting low carbon solutions. He works with industrial partners including the Lower Thames Crossing project and Greater Manchester Combined Authority. From 2022-25, he was the programme director of civil engineering undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Manchester.