Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment

This fact sheet from RMI provides guidance for real estate developers on reducing embodied carbon—the emissions associated with building materials and construction—which accounts for at least one-quarter of the energy-related global carbon emissions attributed to buildings.

• Buildings are responsible for at least 39% of annual energy-related global carbon emissions, with embodied carbon—emissions from construction and materials—making up at least 25% of that total.
• Real estate developers can reduce embodied carbon by establishing environmental goals, setting cost thresholds, and prioritizing the reuse or redevelopment of existing buildings over new construction.
• RMI outlines six key strategies for developers to reduce embodied carbon in their portfolios: building less (prioritizing reuse and efficient design), building collaboratively (setting targets and using LCAs), building for longevity (adaptability and deconstruction), following data (requesting EPDs), reducing waste, and considering carbon offsetting for as-built emissions.

APA

RMI (n.d.). Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment. https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2021/09/EC_2_Pager_For_Real_Estate_Developers.pdf

Chicago

RMI. Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment. n.d. https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2021/09/EC_2_Pager_For_Real_Estate_Developers.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment |url=https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2021/09/EC_2_Pager_For_Real_Estate_Developers.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmindreducing, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment}}, institution = {RMI}, url = {https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2021/09/EC_2_Pager_For_Real_Estate_Developers.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }