Using Life Cycle Assessment & Embodied Carbon Calculators to Make Design and Product Choices

This hands-on training will equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills to leverage Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools and embodied carbon (EC) calculators in the architectural design and construction process. The course will guide attendees through each phase of a project, from conceptual design to the as-built stage, highlighting the application and benefits of different LCA tools like EPIC, Tally, and EC3. In response to current market needs, this training also includes an overview of other popular LCA tools, their costs and capabilities, and the situations in which they are most effective. Participants will learn how to utilize these tools to make informed design decisions, foster constructive conversations within the project team, and track the project’s embodied carbon footprint. Furthermore, we will explore strategies for incentivizing low-carbon procurement and identifying opportunities for future improvement. The objective is to empower participants to effectively integrate LCA and EC considerations into their projects, fostering a more sustainable and carbon-conscious built environment.

Learning objectives

• Learn how to use EC/LCA tools effectively at each phase of design and construction
• Learn how to communicate across the design and construction team about EC/LCA topics
• Understand what decisions at each phase can lead to lower EC footprint
• Be able to track, look back, and learn from challenges in addressing EC