Less Carbon, Same Building: How Builders and Designers Can Cut Embodied Carbon Today
Learn to assess embodied carbon in low-rise construction using the BEAM tool and other practical resources through guided, interactive examples. Using real project case studies, this session shows how builders and designers can make carbon-smart choices without disrupting schedules or reinventing their workflows, by changing fundamentals such as foundation systems, rigid insulation upgrades, and wall/roof assembly types. Participants will actively compare assemblies, explore available and emerging materials, and leave with clear, actionable strategies and resources for integrating embodied carbon thinking into everyday high-performance construction practice.
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Session Speakers
Define embodied carbon and identify the major contributors in low-rise buildings, including structure, insulation, and foundations.
Use BEAM and similar tools to compare assemblies and materials and evaluate the carbon impacts of common design and construction choices.
Assess low-carbon alternatives for foundations, walls, roofs, and insulation using both currently available and emerging materials.
Integrate embodied-carbon decision-making into everyday project workflows without increasing complexity, cost, or construction timelines.
This session is pre-approved for 1.5 credit hours toward AIA (LU|HSW), LEED (BD+C), WELL, MA CSL, and NARI certification. Those who attend a full day of the conference are additionally eligible for credit toward Phius and RESNET certification.