Wood and carbon - Revision history

Editor at 16:37, 21 October 2021

2021-10-21T16:37:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 21 October 2021
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	The built environment has the tools and the knowledge to refurbish and create homes, offices, schools, hospitals and many other buildings that remove rather than contribute carbon emissions. It is a cultural and educational shift, but it is possible to make beautiful and practical buildings that have less of an impact on the planet.		The built environment has the tools and the knowledge to refurbish and create homes, offices, schools, hospitals and many other buildings that remove rather than contribute carbon emissions. It is a cultural and educational shift, but it is possible to make beautiful and practical buildings that have less of an impact on the planet.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* A zero-carbon UK by 2050?		* A zero-carbon UK by 2050?
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	* Carbon negative.		* Carbon negative.
	* Carbon neutral.		* Carbon neutral.
		+	* Deforestation.
	* Low or zero carbon technologies.		* Low or zero carbon technologies.
	* Nearly zero-energy building.		* Nearly zero-energy building.

Editor at 18:16, 15 October 2020

2020-10-15T18:16:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 15 October 2020
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	* Nearly zero-energy building.		* Nearly zero-energy building.
	* Net zero carbon building.		* Net zero carbon building.
		+	* PAS 2060.
	* Passivhaus.		* Passivhaus.
	* What we need for the journey to net-zero carbon emissions.		* What we need for the journey to net-zero carbon emissions.
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	* Zero carbon non domestic buildings.		* Zero carbon non domestic buildings.

−	[[Category:Sustainability]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Editor at 17:01, 5 May 2020

2020-05-05T17:01:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:01, 5 May 2020
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	* Passivhaus.		* Passivhaus.
	* What we need for the journey to net-zero carbon emissions.		* What we need for the journey to net-zero carbon emissions.
		+	* Wood and custom build homes.
	* Zero Bills Home.		* Zero Bills Home.
	* Zero carbon homes.		* Zero carbon homes.

Editor at 16:49, 5 May 2020

2020-05-05T16:49:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:49, 5 May 2020
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	The built environment has the tools and the knowledge to refurbish and create homes, offices, schools, hospitals and many other buildings that remove rather than contribute carbon emissions. It is a cultural and educational shift, but it is possible to make beautiful and practical buildings that have less of an impact on the planet.		The built environment has the tools and the knowledge to refurbish and create homes, offices, schools, hospitals and many other buildings that remove rather than contribute carbon emissions. It is a cultural and educational shift, but it is possible to make beautiful and practical buildings that have less of an impact on the planet.
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* A zero-carbon UK by 2050?
		+	* Carbon footprint.
		+	* Carbon negative.
		+	* Carbon neutral.
		+	* Low or zero carbon technologies.
		+	* Nearly zero-energy building.
		+	* Net zero carbon building.
		+	* Passivhaus.
		+	* What we need for the journey to net-zero carbon emissions.
		+	* Zero Bills Home.
		+	* Zero carbon homes.
		+	* Zero carbon non domestic buildings.

	[[Category:Sustainability]]		[[Category:Sustainability]]

Editor at 16:44, 5 May 2020

2020-05-05T16:44:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 5 May 2020
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−	Net-zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifying.	+	= Introduction =
		+
		+	Net zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifying.

	The article below explores each concept, how it is being implemented and what this means for the built environment.		The article below explores each concept, how it is being implemented and what this means for the built environment.

−	== Net-zero ==	+	= Net zero =

−	Since the UK government’s announcement ~~last year~~ to target net-zero by 2050, the phrase ~~'net-zero'~~ has become the most well-known term when it comes to reducing the impact of climate change.	+	Since the UK government’s 2019 announcement to target net zero by 2050, the phrase has become the most well known term when it comes to reducing the impact of climate change.

−	[http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/ Net-zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced] and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon.	+	[http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/ Net zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced] and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon.

−	~~Net-~~zero ~~is the~~ goal, outlined below ~~are~~ the ways to make it happen.	+	The net zero goal outlined below includes the ways to make it happen.

−	== Carbon neutral = Offsetting carbon = Carbon free = Zero carbon ==	+	= Carbon neutral = Offsetting carbon = Carbon free = Zero carbon =

−	The journey to achieving net-zero means knowing how to offset emissions. According to the [https://www.carbontrust.com/what-we-do/assurance-and-certification/carbon-neutral-certification Carbon Trust], carbon neutrality is achieved when the emissions produced are offset by carbon credits or natural carbon sinks.	+	The journey to achieving net zero means knowing how to offset emissions. According to the [https://www.carbontrust.com/what-we-do/assurance-and-certification/carbon-neutral-certification Carbon Trust], carbon neutrality is achieved when the emissions produced are offset by carbon credits or natural carbon sinks.

	Carbon credits are permits and work as part of a ‘cap and trade’ programme. Companies that pollute are given a limit, in credits, that they can pollute up to. Any unused credits can be sold to another company that is exceeding its limit. The aim is for companies that pollute to reduce their emissions and over time their limits for pollution are reduced.		Carbon credits are permits and work as part of a ‘cap and trade’ programme. Companies that pollute are given a limit, in credits, that they can pollute up to. Any unused credits can be sold to another company that is exceeding its limit. The aim is for companies that pollute to reduce their emissions and over time their limits for pollution are reduced.
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	Natural carbon sinks are ecosystems such as the ocean or forests. They absorb and store around [https://www.livescience.com/32354-what-is-a-carbon-sink.html half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human activity]. However, these ecosystems are under threat due to increased emissions and deforestation.		Natural carbon sinks are ecosystems such as the ocean or forests. They absorb and store around [https://www.livescience.com/32354-what-is-a-carbon-sink.html half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human activity]. However, these ecosystems are under threat due to increased emissions and deforestation.

−	Political awareness of the need to increase tree cover as a viable solution to reduce CO2 emissions has grown recently. This awareness also places responsibility on the timber industry and wider construction industry to ensure timber is sustainably sourced, particularly tropical timber.	+	Political awareness of the need to increase tree cover as a viable solution to reduce CO2 emissions has grown recently. This awareness also places responsibility on the timber industry and wider construction industry to ensure timber is sustainably sourced - particularly tropical timber.

	To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.		To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.

−	== Carbon positive = Carbon negative ==	+	= Carbon positive = Carbon negative =

−	Confusingly, carbon positive and carbon negative initiatives both seek the same outcome: to remove more carbon from the world than they add. This is the next step after net-zero.	+	Confusingly, carbon positive and carbon negative initiatives both seek the same outcome: to remove more carbon from the world than they add. This is the next step after net zero.

−	== Sequestered carbon = Carbon capture ==	+	= Sequestered carbon = Carbon capture =

	To sequester carbon is to capture CO2 from the Earth’s atmosphere and store it. This can be done in a natural or manufactured way. Trees naturally absorb and capture CO2, acting as a natural store. Consequently, forests and woodland are considered to be the most efficient natural carbon sinks.		To sequester carbon is to capture CO2 from the Earth’s atmosphere and store it. This can be done in a natural or manufactured way. Trees naturally absorb and capture CO2, acting as a natural store. Consequently, forests and woodland are considered to be the most efficient natural carbon sinks.
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	Carbon can be captured or sequestered in buildings and building products made from wood.		Carbon can be captured or sequestered in buildings and building products made from wood.

−	== Embodied carbon ==	+	= Embodied carbon =

	Embodied carbon is defined by the UK Green Building Council as [https://www.ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/UK-GBC-EC-Developing-Client-Brief.pdf ‘the total greenhouse gas emissions generated to produce a built asset’]. This means knowing how much CO2 is emitted from extraction, processing and manufacturing, transportation and assembly of every building product used. It extends to the lifecycle of each product so also considers end of life.		Embodied carbon is defined by the UK Green Building Council as [https://www.ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/UK-GBC-EC-Developing-Client-Brief.pdf ‘the total greenhouse gas emissions generated to produce a built asset’]. This means knowing how much CO2 is emitted from extraction, processing and manufacturing, transportation and assembly of every building product used. It extends to the lifecycle of each product so also considers end of life.

−	== Operational carbon ==	+	= Operational carbon =

	Operational carbon is often measured alongside embodied carbon. It is the collective [https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/carbon-embodied-operational/ CO2 emissions produced in order for a building to run], from the energy and ventilation systems through to IT equipment.		Operational carbon is often measured alongside embodied carbon. It is the collective [https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/carbon-embodied-operational/ CO2 emissions produced in order for a building to run], from the energy and ventilation systems through to IT equipment.

−	== Taking action ==	+	= Taking action =

−	The UK built environment currently contributes around 40% of the country’s total carbon emissions. To reach the 2050 net-zero goal, new homes need to be built to offset carbon. Even with the most natural building materials, CO2 will be released before and during the construction process. By estimating embodied and operational carbon, designers can ensure this is offset through the materials, products and systems used.	+	The UK built environment currently contributes around 40% of the country’s total carbon emissions. To reach the 2050 net zero goal, new homes need to be built to offset carbon.

−	~~== Going beyond zero ==~~	+	Even with the most natural building materials, CO2 will be released before and during the construction process. By estimating embodied and operational carbon, designers can ensure this is offset through the materials, products and systems used.

−	The [https://woodforgood.com/case-studies/balehaus BaleHaus system] uses prefabricated straw bale panels, ModCell, and structural timber frame elements. This system works to ~~PassivHaus~~ principles and is made from locally available materials that are designed to be dismantled, re-used and recycled at the end of a typical 75+ year life.	+	= Going beyond zero =
		+
		+	The [https://woodforgood.com/case-studies/balehaus BaleHaus system] uses prefabricated straw bale panels, ModCell and structural timber frame elements. This system works to Passivhaus principles and is made from locally available materials that are designed to be dismantled, re-used and recycled at the end of a typical 75+ year life.

	It also has triple glazing, a biomass boiler and energy efficient electrical fittings and appliances. The careful design and specification of the BaleHaus reduces carbon emissions by almost 50% each year. It goes beyond zero carbon as it banks 22 tonnes of CO2, making it carbon positive (or negative) and a carbon capture.		It also has triple glazing, a biomass boiler and energy efficient electrical fittings and appliances. The careful design and specification of the BaleHaus reduces carbon emissions by almost 50% each year. It goes beyond zero carbon as it banks 22 tonnes of CO2, making it carbon positive (or negative) and a carbon capture.

−	== From old to new ==	+	= From old to new =

	Older properties can be improved too. To reduce the built environment’s impact on the planet, the aim should be to reduce the number of new buildings, reuse as many buildings, materials and products as possible and recycle responsibly if there is no other option.		Older properties can be improved too. To reduce the built environment’s impact on the planet, the aim should be to reduce the number of new buildings, reuse as many buildings, materials and products as possible and recycle responsibly if there is no other option.
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	Where possible, natural materials such as cellulose and wood fibre insulation were used. The result of the refurb was a reduction of 73% in carbon emissions.		Where possible, natural materials such as cellulose and wood fibre insulation were used. The result of the refurb was a reduction of 73% in carbon emissions.

−	== Zero = Hero ==	+	= Zero = Hero =

	The built environment has the tools and the knowledge to refurbish and create homes, offices, schools, hospitals and many other buildings that remove rather than contribute carbon emissions. It is a cultural and educational shift, but it is possible to make beautiful and practical buildings that have less of an impact on the planet.		The built environment has the tools and the knowledge to refurbish and create homes, offices, schools, hospitals and many other buildings that remove rather than contribute carbon emissions. It is a cultural and educational shift, but it is possible to make beautiful and practical buildings that have less of an impact on the planet.
		+
		+	[[Category:Sustainability]]

Wood for Good: Created page with "Net-zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifyin..."

2020-04-16T11:44:59Z

Created page with "Net-zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifyin..."

New page

Net-zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifying.

The article below explores each concept, how it is being implemented and what this means for the built environment.

== Net-zero ==

Since the UK government’s announcement last year to target net-zero by 2050, the phrase 'net-zero' has become the most well-known term when it comes to reducing the impact of climate change.

[http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/ Net-zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced] and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon.

Net-zero is the goal, outlined below are the ways to make it happen.

== Carbon neutral = Offsetting carbon = Carbon free = Zero carbon ==

The journey to achieving net-zero means knowing how to offset emissions. According to the [https://www.carbontrust.com/what-we-do/assurance-and-certification/carbon-neutral-certification Carbon Trust], carbon neutrality is achieved when the emissions produced are offset by carbon credits or natural carbon sinks.

Carbon credits are permits and work as part of a ‘cap and trade’ programme. Companies that pollute are given a limit, in credits, that they can pollute up to. Any unused credits can be sold to another company that is exceeding its limit. The aim is for companies that pollute to reduce their emissions and over time their limits for pollution are reduced.

Natural carbon sinks are ecosystems such as the ocean or forests. They absorb and store around [https://www.livescience.com/32354-what-is-a-carbon-sink.html half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human activity]. However, these ecosystems are under threat due to increased emissions and deforestation.

Political awareness of the need to increase tree cover as a viable solution to reduce CO2 emissions has grown recently. This awareness also places responsibility on the timber industry and wider construction industry to ensure timber is sustainably sourced, particularly tropical timber.

To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.

== Carbon positive = Carbon negative ==

Confusingly, carbon positive and carbon negative initiatives both seek the same outcome: to remove more carbon from the world than they add. This is the next step after net-zero.

== Sequestered carbon = Carbon capture ==

To sequester carbon is to capture CO2 from the Earth’s atmosphere and store it. This can be done in a natural or manufactured way. Trees naturally absorb and capture CO2, acting as a natural store. Consequently, forests and woodland are considered to be the most efficient natural carbon sinks.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a [https://www.hse.gov.uk/carboncapture/about-carbon.htm new technology] to remove CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power stations and industrial processes that use or produce coal and gas. The CO2 can be captured in three different ways and in the UK, it is stored offshore.

Carbon can be captured or sequestered in buildings and building products made from wood.

== Embodied carbon ==

Embodied carbon is defined by the UK Green Building Council as [https://www.ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/UK-GBC-EC-Developing-Client-Brief.pdf ‘the total greenhouse gas emissions generated to produce a built asset’]. This means knowing how much CO2 is emitted from extraction, processing and manufacturing, transportation and assembly of every building product used. It extends to the lifecycle of each product so also considers end of life.

== Operational carbon ==

Operational carbon is often measured alongside embodied carbon. It is the collective [https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/carbon-embodied-operational/ CO2 emissions produced in order for a building to run], from the energy and ventilation systems through to IT equipment.

== Taking action ==

The UK built environment currently contributes around 40% of the country’s total carbon emissions. To reach the 2050 net-zero goal, new homes need to be built to offset carbon. Even with the most natural building materials, CO2 will be released before and during the construction process. By estimating embodied and operational carbon, designers can ensure this is offset through the materials, products and systems used.

== Going beyond zero ==

The [https://woodforgood.com/case-studies/balehaus BaleHaus system] uses prefabricated straw bale panels, ModCell, and structural timber frame elements. This system works to PassivHaus principles and is made from locally available materials that are designed to be dismantled, re-used and recycled at the end of a typical 75+ year life.

It also has triple glazing, a biomass boiler and energy efficient electrical fittings and appliances. The careful design and specification of the BaleHaus reduces carbon emissions by almost 50% each year. It goes beyond zero carbon as it banks 22 tonnes of CO2, making it carbon positive (or negative) and a carbon capture.

== From old to new ==

Older properties can be improved too. To reduce the built environment’s impact on the planet, the aim should be to reduce the number of new buildings, reuse as many buildings, materials and products as possible and recycle responsibly if there is no other option.

An example of this was the sensitive retrofit of a home on [https://woodforgood.com/case-studies/walters-way Walter’s Way], designed by architect Walter Segal. The timber-framed home had its windows replaced, the roof rebuilt and full insulation was installed including the roof. Solar PV panels were added alongside a new solar water heating system, passive ventilation and mechanical ventilation heat recovery, water-saving devices and low energy appliances and lighting.

Where possible, natural materials such as cellulose and wood fibre insulation were used. The result of the refurb was a reduction of 73% in carbon emissions.

== Zero = Hero ==

The built environment has the tools and the knowledge to refurbish and create homes, offices, schools, hospitals and many other buildings that remove rather than contribute carbon emissions. It is a cultural and educational shift, but it is possible to make beautiful and practical buildings that have less of an impact on the planet.