Modern Contractor Solutions December 2024 - 22

management solution
SUSTAINABILITY
4 Steps to Lower
Embodied Carbon
strategies for construction projects
By Katie Poss and Caroline Murray
M
ore than ever, contractors,
manufacturers, owners, and
designers are setting time-bound
sustainability commitments to encourage
low-carbon construction and keep our planet
at safe global temperatures. Industry-leading
organizations and groups are joining in the
effort as well-an example is WorldGBC's
vision focus on cutting upfront carbon
emissions and working toward all new
construction, infrastructure, and renovations
achieving at least a 40-percent reduction in
embodied carbon by 2030.
Cross-industry collaboration plays an
integral role in moving the needle toward
green procurement and low-carbon
construction. More specifically, a general
contractor or a subcontractor's ability
to understand their role in widespread
decarbonization is becoming an essential
prerequisite for a successful project.
Construction management firm Turner
Construction Company understands the need
for increased sustainability education across
the industry to meet climate targets. The team
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DECEMBER 2024
has named its own time-bound emissions
reductions commitments that they are actively
working toward, including achieving Net Zero
emissions in its operations (Scope 1 and 2)
by 2030 and achieving Net Zero emissions
across its supply chain (Scopes 1, 2, and 3)
by 2040.
In this piece, we'll take a look at specific
tactics that Turner implements throughout
their operations to help lower the embodied
carbon of their construction projects.
1. Set Sustainability Goals Early
Establishing clear goals in specifications at
the onset of a project is crucial for aligning
sustainability efforts, including embodied
carbon reduction. Early discussions around
foundations, structure, enclosure, and MEP
systems allow teams to explore options,
understand benefits, and make informed
decisions. Setting achievable, yet ambitious,
carbon-reduction targets early influences
industry practices, fosters innovation,
and ensures that sustainability goals are
embedded into project documents.
2. Utilize Environmental Product
Declarations (EPDs)
EPDs are essential for contractors to assess
the environmental impact of materials
like concrete. Using platforms like the
Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator
(EC3) from Building Transparency allows
contractors to assess the carbon footprint
of different materials, helping them make
informed choices. Incorporating EPDs into
the procurement process ensures that
sustainability is considered at every stage,
from design to material sourcing.
In markets where EPD data currently exists,
Building Transparency observes 30 percent or
more reductions in carbon emissions resulting
from using EC3 to select and procure lowcarbon
materials.
3. Collaborate with Stakeholders & Suppliers
on Low-Carbon Alternatives
Contractors should work closely with
structural engineers, owners, and suppliers
to develop lower carbon alternatives for
materials like concrete mixes, which are
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Modern Contractor Solutions December 2024

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