ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the state of embodied and whole life carbon methodology. The intention is to measure and highlight to the design team the carbon impacts of design stage decisions post practical completion. The carbon emissions of all maintenance activities, including cleaning, should be taken into account. All carbon emissions relating to operational water consumption, both supply and waste, throughout the building’s life cycle should be included. The carbon cost of component and system choices should be an important determining factor when designing a building. An Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a vital tool for whole life carbon management of a building over its anticipated life. Using an LCA informs design decisions made at the outset, and should be a basic tool for any design team. An LCA may also work in parallel with life cycle costing, which looks at the future cash flow of operating the building post completion.
