Global warming potential
Embodied Carbon: Developing a Client Brief, published by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) in March 2017, defines Global Warming Potential (GWP) as: ‘…a relative measure of how much a given mass of greenhouse gas is estimated to contribute to global warming over a given time interval. It is expressed relative to carbon dioxide which has a GWP of 1. These factors are regularly updated, and it is recommended to use the latest factors from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Most assessments adopt GWP factors over a 100 year-time horizon.
GWP of principal greenhouse gases over 100 years excluding climate-carbon feedbacks
| Greenhouse Gas | GWP | Typical sources |
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) | 1 | Energy combustion, biochemical reactions |
| Methane (CH4) | 28 | Decomposition |
| Nitrous oxide (N2O) | 265 | Fertilisers, car emissions, manufacturing |
Ref IPCC, 2013. Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group 1 to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Table 8.7.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.
The adaptive reuse of large industrial structures.
Promoting the circular economy by extending the life of buildings.
CIAT responds to Climate Change Committee report
An urgent wake-up call for both government and the built environment.
Construction Management, 24 June
FMB pilot aims to build pipeline of site-ready tradespeople.
A quick introduction.
CLC publishes Mental Health Joint Code of Practice.
A quick introduction to its uses and risks.
Construction Management, 17 June
Government rolls out digital planning tool to all local authorities.