Construction embodied carbon and Scotland’s Learning Estate

The Scottish Government has recently updated their public procurement policy and climate reporting requirements. Public bodies are now required to consider and act on opportunities to improve environmental wellbeing and to report on targets for reducing direct and indirect emissions of greenhouse gases.

One key update is the introduction of the Construction Embodied Carbon outcome in Learning Estate Investment Programme Phase 3. But what does this mean, and why is it relevant to the procurement of Scotland’s Learning Estate?

At our recent LEIP Shared Learning Event on construction embodied carbon (delivered in collaboration with Scottish Futures Trust) Leanne Hannah, Founder and Managing Director of ARMILA Sustainability Services Ltd, outlined how best to consider the new outcome with regards to delivering Scotland’s Learning Estate.

Construction embodied carbon is the carbon emitted throughout the construction phase of a project, from site clearance to material transportation, material production, assembly, fixtures and fittings. This is not to be confused with in-use carbon emissions which relate to heating, lighting and maintaining the completed building throughout its operation, or whole life carbon, which relates to both construction, in-use and demolition phases of a building.

To mitigate against the worst impacts of climate change, and to deliver on the Scottish Government aims to meet Net Zero, we must see a large reduction in carbon emissions. The design of schools and other parts of the Learning Estate often involves spaces and uses where it is challenging to remain carbon efficient. Large volume spaces (gym halls) or large areas of glazing (atriums) are tricky to keep thermally efficient, and both spaces traditionally require construction materials that typically have higher levels of embodied carbon – such as steel and concrete.

The event highlighted that the best time to make reductions in embodied carbon is at the very beginning of a project – in briefing and design. It also outlined five key ways to help reduce embodied carbon in construction:

1. material selection: consider materials with lower embodied carbon such as timber, natural materials or locally sourced building materials
2. efficient design: minimise material waste through careful design and planning   
3. local sourcing: reduce transportation emissions by sourcing materials locally whenever possible
4. lifecycle assessment: conduct a thorough lifecycle assessment to identify the main contributors to embodied carbon and develop targeted mitigation strategies
5. circular economy: incorporate circular economy principles by designing buildings for reuse, refurbishment, maintenance and recycling

Leanne outlined processes and methodologies to support the designing-out of high levels of embodied carbon, offering practical tips and considerations. Leanne's presentation was followed by two presentations from:

• Lindsey Mitchell and Golnaz Ighany from Building Design Partnership (BDP) on the Chryston High School Extension
• Alan Paul and John Peden from Fife Council on Fife Council’s journey towards Net Zero and Passivhaus, Dunfermline Learning Campus Scotland’s first Passivhaus High School

A summary of all three presentations in case study format can be found in our report of the event.