Carbon terminology

[edit] 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. This carbon-jargon busting article explores each concept, how it is being implemented and what this means for the built environment.

[edit] Net-zero

Since the UK government’s announcement that it would 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.

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. Ref http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/

Net-zero is the goal, outlined below are the ways to make it happen. For more information see: Net-zero carbon and Net zero carbon emissions.

[edit] Carbon neutral

The journey to achieving net-zero means knowing how to offset emissions. According to the 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 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’. PAS 2060 can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.

For more information see: Carbon neutral.

[edit] Carbon positive and 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.

For more information see: Carbon negative.

[edit] 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 woodlands are considered to be efficient natural carbon sinks.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a 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.

For more information see: Carbon capture and storage.

[edit] Embodied carbon

Embodied carbon is defined by the UK Green Building Council as ‘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.

For more information see: Embodied carbon.

[edit] Operational carbon

Operational carbon is often measured alongside embodied carbon. It is the collective CO2 emissions produced in order for a building to run, from the energy and ventilation systems through to IT equipment.

For more information see: Operational carbon.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Capital carbon.
• Carbon.
• Carbon capture and storage.
• Carbon emissions.
• Carbon emissions reduction target CERT.
• Carbon factor.
• Carbon footprint.
• Carbon hotspot.
• Carbon negative.
• Carbon neutral.
• Carbon plan.
• Carbon price.
• Climate Change Act.
• CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.
• Embodied carbon.
• Embodied energy.
• Emission rates.
• Low carbon.
• Low carbon construction IGT.
• Net-zero carbon.
• Net zero carbon emissions.
• Operational carbon.
• PAS 2060.
• Sustainable materials.
• The Carbon Plan: Delivering our low carbon future.
• What we need for the journey to net-zero carbon emissions.
• Zero carbon homes.