Upfront carbon
Zero carbon building, Performance standard, Version 2, Published by the Canada Green Building Council in March 2021, defines upfront carbon as: 'The embodied carbon emissions caused in the materials production and construction stages (stages A1-5) of the life-cycle before the building begins to be used.’
Improving Consistency in Whole Life Carbon Assessment and Reporting, Carbon Definitions for the Built Environment, Buildings and Infrastructure, Version ‘A’, May 2021, published by WLCN, LETI and RIBA, states: ‘‘Upfront Carbon’ emissions are the GHG emissions associated with materials and construction processes up to practical completion (Modules A1-A5). Upfront carbon excludes the biogenic carbon sequestered in the installed products at practical completion.’
NB Life cycle modules are defined in BS EN 15978 and PAS2080 for infrastructure.
[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.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.