Title: A critical evaluation of the sustainability of building codes and policy when embodied carbon is considered for the construction of three-bedroom houses in UK

Authors: Harry King; Rebecca Rawson; Uche Okere

Addresses: School of Science, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK ' School of Science, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK ' School of Science, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK

Abstract: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are categorised into Scopes. Scope 1 is direct emissions; Scope 2 is indirect emissions from energy use and Scope 3 is indirect emissions from the supply and value chain. UK Government is introducing building codes and policies to reduce operational emissions. However, considerable emissions are generated from Scope 3. This research investigates the significance of embodied carbon within structural frames of new houses and policy implications. Material embodied carbon was calculated using a three-bedroom house structural frame. Results from One Click LCA, an automated lifecycle tool, were compared to manually calculated values. Results demonstrate that wooden frames had the lowest embodied carbon compared to steel frames and bricks and mortar. Policies should address embodied carbon to reduce emissions. Full Life Cycle Assessment analysis within building standards, replacing bricks and mortar with wooden or steel frames, and GHG intensity scoring are recommended.

Keywords: embodied carbon; new build houses; three-bedroom homes; Scope 3 emissions; cradle-to-gate; life cycle analysis; carbon emissions; sustainability; building codes; construction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSRECE.2024.144312

International Journal of Sustainable Real Estate and Construction Economics, 2024 Vol.3 No.1, pp.63 - 81

Received: 24 Jun 2024
Accepted: 15 Aug 2024
Published online: 05 Feb 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article