CALGreen Promotes Embodied Energy Reduction
CALGreen is the first mandatory green buildings standard code in the U.S., established in California in 2007. CALGreen encourages environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices for all new construction projects. Embodied Energy will be a part of the CALGreen requirements starting July 1, 2024. California is the first state in the nation to adopt general code requirements for reducing embodied carbon in the built environment.
In an article published on buildings’ carbon footprints, Dr. Ladan Ghobad, CEO of ENERlite Consulting, emphasizes the need for regulatory changes to drive technological advancements, especially in industries like concrete production. CALGreen’s effort to add the Embodied Energy requirement is a significant step in the US towards that goal.
Buildings contribute 40% to global carbon emissions, prompting a crucial decision between renovating or rebuilding for sustainability. The journey towards a sustainable built environment requires a balance between upgrading existing structures and embracing new, low-carbon materials. Challenges in precise carbon accounting, particularly in estimating "Scope 3" emissions, which are related to building materials and construction processes, complicate this choice.
ENERlite Consulting performs embodied carbon analysis to help our clients toward decarbonization goals. ENERlite Consulting’s lifetime carbon analysis in the MountZED Mixed Use Development in San Diego, CA showcases an innovative approach towards Net Zero Carbon construction.
