Zero Carbon Certification 1.0 Handbook

Changes to Embodied Carbon (Q1 24)

May 2024
Corrections made as needed throughout for grammar, punctuation, nomenclature, typos, and links.

EMBODIED CARBON CALCULATION CLARIFICATIONS

  • Embodied Carbon Scope
    • Section is now listed first, with additional construction phase information.
  • Approved LCA Tools
    • Approved LCA Tools Table has been updated with modified categorization, the inclusion of One Click LCA, and additional guidance regarding appropriate application of the listed tools.
  • Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Data Accuracy
    • Language improved for clarity and accuracy.
  • Reference Study Period
    • Section relocated from Embodied Carbon Offset Clarifications and retitled from Lifespan.

EMBODIED CARBON REDUCTION CLARIFICATIONS

  • Calculation Parameters
    • Section is now listed first, with minor language improvements for clarity and accuracy. Product Assessment subsection has been retitled as Product Baseline and includes updates to the most recent CLF North American Materials Baselines Report.
  • Building or Material Reuse, Reductions
    • Section relocated from Embodied Carbon Calculation Clarifications and retitled from Building or Material Reuse.
  • Biogenic Carbon, Products and Practices
    • Section retitled from Carbon Sequestering Products and Practices. Significant updates made to product claims, accordance with ISO 14025 and ISO 21930, and additional guidance on reporting.
  • Interior Products
    • Section retitled from Interior Materials.
  • Reduction Types
    • Table updated with minor improvements to Example Strategies.

EMBODIED CARBON OFFSET CLARIFICATIONS

  • Carbon Offsets
    • Section is now listed first, with minor text improvements throughout, including clarity within ‘Scope of Carbon Offset’ which includes new language on reuse as a priority and a clarification for projects using carbon-sequestering material values.
  • Applicable Building Materials
    • Language improved for clarity and accuracy, with addition of RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment reference.
  • Building or Material Reuse, Offsets
    • Section retitled from Building or Material Reuse, with minor language improvements for accuracy.