Reflection | Operational Vs Embodied Carbon
As the commercial built environment continues to evolve in response to sustainability and net-zero carbon goals, it is crucial to understand the distinction between operational and embodied carbon.
These two aspects of a building's carbon footprint play distinct roles in shaping the overall environmental impact, influencing strategies for design, construction and management.
Understanding Operational and Embodied Carbon
Operational Carbon
Operational carbon refers to the carbon dioxide (CO2) and equivalent emissions associated with the day-to-day running of a building.
This includes energy consumption from heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and the operation of appliances and systems.
Historically, operational carbon has been the primary focus of sustainability efforts, with significant progress made through improved energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption and advanced building management systems.
Example: a commercial office tower with energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting and solar panels reduces operational carbon by lowering the demand for fossil-fuel-based electricity.
Embodied Carbon
Embodied carbon, on the other hand, refers to the total CO2 and equivalent emissions associated with the materials and construction processes of a building.
This includes emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, on-site construction, maintenance, renovation and eventual demolition or disposal.
Unlike operational carbon, which can be reduced over time through energy efficiency measures, embodied carbon is locked in at the point of construction and refurbishment.
Example: a concrete and steel-framed commercial building has a high embodied carbon footprint due to the energy-intensive processes involved in producing these materials, whereas opting for low-carbon alternatives such as timber, recycled steel or low-carbon concrete can significantly reduce its negative impact.
Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions in the Built Environment
The distinction between operational and embodied carbon aligns closely with the framework of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, as defined by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol:
Scope 1: Direct Emissions – These emissions come directly from sources owned or controlled by the organisation, such as on-site fuel combustion (e.g. gas boilers, diesel generators) and from company-owned vehicles.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy – These are emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the building. Strategies such as procuring renewable energy can help reduce Scope 2 emissions.
Scope 3: Indirect Supply Chain and Value Chain Emissions – This category encompasses a broader range of emissions, including those from raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, employee commuting and end-of-life disposal of building materials. Embodied carbon primarily falls within Scope 3 emissions.
Reducing Carbon in Commercial Developments
To achieve net-zero carbon buildings, developers, owners and tenants must address both operational and embodied carbon.
Key, high-level, strategies include:
Operational Carbon Reduction:
Implementing energy-efficient building systems.
Utilising renewable energy sources.
Enhancing insulation and passive design strategies to minimise heating and cooling needs.
Embodied Carbon Reduction:
Choosing low-carbon materials like timber, bamboo or recycled content.
Adopting modular or prefabricated construction techniques in order to reduce waste.
Extending building lifespan through adaptive reuse and circular economy principles.
Conclusion
In the journey toward decarbonisation, focussing solely on operational carbon is no longer sufficient.
Addressing embodied carbon is equally critical in reducing the whole-life carbon impact of commercial buildings.
By integrating low-carbon materials, sustainable construction practices and energy-efficient operations, stakeholders in the built environment can make significant strides in combatting climate change while delivering resilient, future-proofed buildings.
As regulatory and market pressures mount, businesses and developers must embrace a holistic approach to sustainability—one that accounts for the entire lifecycle of a building. Doing so will not only help meet carbon reduction targets but also enhance long-term asset value and environmental stewardship.
At Fenway®, we design, build, furnish and support office interior spaces in Central London. We responsibly deliver fit-out, refurbishment and alterations projects for occupiers and owners. We are focussed commercial property specialists ready to bring our expertise, energy and experience to your workspace. Contact us now to discuss your plans.