Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment

The document explains that buildings contribute at least 39% of annual global energy-related carbon emissions, with at least one-quarter of those stemming from embodied carbon associated with materials and construction. It argues that developers can reduce these emissions by prioritizing the reuse of existing buildings over new construction and by setting clear environmental goals for project teams. To balance financial returns with environmental certifications, the text recommends six strategies: building less (prioritizing redevelopment), building collaboratively (using LCAs and inventories), building for longevity (adaptability and deconstruction), following data (requesting EPDs), reducing waste, and considering carbon offsetting.

• Buildings are responsible for at least 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions annually, and at least 25% of these emissions are attributed to embodied carbon from construction and building materials.
• Real estate developers can lower embodied carbon by choosing to reuse or redevelop existing buildings rather than constructing new ones, and by implementing six specific strategies: building less, building collaboratively, building for longevity, following data via EPDs, reducing waste, and using carbon offsets.

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} }