Published: 2021
Organization: Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC)
Format: White Paper
Estimated Reading Time: ~30 minutes
Why We Recommend It?
As Canada’s building sector moves from awareness to action on embodied carbon, this primer offers timely insights for a wide range of professionals. It introduces the concept and growing importance of embodied carbon and provides practical guidance on material selection, procurement strategies, and design approaches. The report highlights urgent, actionable roles across the sector—making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to reduce emissions at the building material and construction stage.
Key Takeaways
For Building Owners & Developers
- Embodied carbon will account for a growing share of building emissions as building operations become more efficient.
- Requiring life cycle assessments (LCAs) and selecting low-carbon materials are key strategies for reducing embodied carbon.
- Early adoption of embodied carbon reduction measures helps mitigate compliance risks and positions owners as sustainability leaders.
For Designers & Consultants
- Embodied carbon is becoming a dominant emissions factor, particularly as operational performance improves.
- Material choices like mass timber and low-carbon concrete offer substantial carbon savings.
- Designers play a critical role by embedding low-carbon strategies early to improve outcomes and client alignment.
For Builders & Contractors
- Embodied carbon is expected to become the primary emissions source in new construction by 2025.
- Construction teams must collaborate early with designers to integrate low-carbon materials and methods.
- Upskilling teams and greening supply chains will future-proof contractors in a changing market.
For Government & Utilities
- Policy tools and incentives are essential to accelerate embodied carbon reduction across the sector.
- Low-carbon public procurement can shape market expectations and industry readiness.
- Collaborative engagement across the value chain will support effective, workforce-aligned policy design.
Further Reading: What Municipalities Need to Know about Canada’s Net-Zero Emissions Building Codes — A companion guide for policymakers interested in incorporating carbon into codes and standards.
Next Steps & Related Reading...
- Curious about funding opportunities? Explore Funding & Financing Resources for projects targeting embodied carbon reductions.
- Want real-world proof? See Case Studies where smart design and material choices have lowered embodied emissions.
- Looking for low-carbon materials? Visit our Materials, Energy & Technology section for evolving tools and guidance.