The leading manufacturers of electro-mechanical products and systems within BEAMA have joined forces to address the pressing issue of embodied carbon in the built environment. With a commitment to sustainability and transparency, these companies have launched a comprehensive campaign to illuminate the intricacies of embodied carbon data for MEP products. This initiative addresses limitations in existing processes and guidance on how to address embodied carbon for MEP products, navigating differing formats, and challenges stemming from varying terminology and divergent definitions. Additionally, it makes clear the imperative for a cohesive and collaborative approach to embodied carbon requests.
This comes at a crucial time as the industry grapples with the urgent need to expand their focus beyond operational carbon to consider the whole life cycle of infrastructure and building projects.
"Addressing embodied carbon is essential for achieving our sustainability goals and mitigating the effects of climate change," said Amy Collins, Head of Net Zero and Clean Tech at BEAMA. "However, navigating the landscape of embodied carbon data can be challenging due to inconsistencies and lack of standardisation. Our initiative aims to provide clarity and guidance to stakeholders across the supply chain and calls for a consistent approach across the value chain which recognises that we are moving into new waters to meet our Net Zero and environmental goals."
Key components of the initiative include:
Learning Resource: The coalition has developed resources to inform stakeholders about embodied carbon data, including current limitations and challenges stemming from varying terminology and divergent definitions. This resource can be found on the BEAMA website [link].
Data Formats: Recognizing the diverse ways in which manufacturers can provide embodied carbon data, offering insights into different formats and navigation for interpretation and comparison.
Path Forward: The coalition outlines what is required to establish credible, consistent, and comparable embodied carbon data, promoting a market process which focuses on life cycle stage requirements, rather than specific embodied carbon data formats.
"As manufacturers, we have a responsibility to lead the way in addressing embodied carbon and driving and enabling positive change," added Amy. "By collaborating and sharing knowledge and supporting a structured approach to embodied carbon data requirements, we can empower the market to make informed decisions that prioritize sustainability."
BEAMA invites stakeholders from across the built environment sector to join the conversation and support efforts to advance consistent embodied carbon best practices which respond to the supply chain challenges in collating this data.
Find out more about the Initiative on our dedicated webpage:
