What term refers to the emissions generated during the construction and production of materials?

The term that refers to the emissions generated during the construction and production of materials is embodied carbon. This concept encompasses the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of building materials, as well as the energy consumed throughout these processes. These emissions are inherent to the materials themselves and occur before a building is even in use, highlighting the importance of considering the full lifecycle of materials when assessing their environmental impact.

Embodied carbon is a critical factor in sustainable building practices, as these emissions can often represent a significant portion of a building's total carbon footprint. By focusing on reducing embodied carbon through the selection of sustainable materials and efficient construction methods, professionals can help mitigate climate change and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

In contrast, operational carbon pertains to emissions generated during the actual use of a building, such as energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting. Net zero carbon refers to balancing emitted carbon with an equal amount removed from the atmosphere, while whole-life carbon considers both embodied and operational carbon over a building's entire lifecycle.