SAME Energy & Sustainability COI Webinar: Federal Buy Clean Initiative Compliance through Embodied Carbon Modeling

The Federal Buy Clean Initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by considering the environmental impact of materials used in federally funded projects. Embodied carbon modeling tools have emerged as critical instruments in the pursuit of sustainable construction practices. These tools aid architects, engineers, and construction professionals in assessing the environmental impact of materials and processes by quantifying the carbon dioxide emitted throughout their lifecycle.

This webinar will discuss Embodied Carbon Modeling and its ability to facilitate informed decision making, selection of low-carbon materials and the comparison of design alternatives which encourages innovation by setting benchmarks and standards for carbon reduction.

Challenges also persist with the adoption of carbon modeling tools. The webinar will also discuss the accuracy of data inputs, availability of comprehensive databases, and the complexities in assessing the entire supply chain.

Amidst escalating global efforts to combat climate change, the significance of embodied carbon modeling tools, particularly with the Federal Buy Clean Initiative, escalates. Learn how their integration into design processes empowers stakeholders to craft buildings meeting functional and aesthetic needs while mitigating environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable built environment for future generations.

Learning Objectives:

1. Utilizing Embodied Carbon Modeling for Federal Buy Clean Compliance: Understand the significance of embodied carbon modeling in meeting the Federal Buy Clean Initiative's requirements, focusing on reducing carbon emissions by evaluating the environmental impact of materials in federally funded projects.

2. Understanding the Conceptual Framework: Describe the principles and components of embodied carbon modeling tools, revealing how these tools quantify the environmental impact of construction materials throughout their life cycle stages.

3. Applying Tools for Decision-Making: Apply embodied carbon modeling tools in real-world scenarios to make informed decisions during the design phase, selecting materials and construction techniques that balance structural requirements with environmental considerations.

4. Critically Analyzing Challenges and Opportunities: Analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of embodied carbon modeling tools in sustainable construction, including issues related to data accuracy, database availability, and supply chain complexities, while exploring potential strategies for improvement and wider adoption.