Which type of carbon emissions is associated with activities during the operation of a building?

Operational carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions generated from the energy consumed during the operation of a building. This includes emissions associated with heating, cooling, lighting, and powering appliances and equipment. As such, operational carbon is directly linked to the day-to-day functioning of a building, highlighting the importance of energy efficiency and sustainable practices to reduce these emissions over the lifespan of the structure.

In contrast, embodied carbon deals with the emissions produced during the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of building materials before construction begins, while net zero carbon refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere. Stranded asset refers to investments that have significantly reduced in value due to changes in market conditions, such as shifts towards sustainability or environmental regulations. Therefore, operational carbon is the most applicable term when discussing emissions directly associated with the ongoing activities and energy use within a building.