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.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.

















