Addressing Embodied Carbon in Homestar Buildings
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, the construction industry is under the spotlight for its big role in global carbon emissions. To tackle this challenge, New Zealand's construction sector has been exploring sustainable building practices and one exciting initiative is the Homestar rating system, which now considers embodied carbon emissions in all registered developments.
Homestar is a voluntary rating system created in New Zealand by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) which aims to assess and improve the environmental performance and sustainability of residential buildings. Homestar ratings range from 6 to 10 stars, with higher ratings indicating better sustainability practices and lower carbon footprints. The rating system evaluates various aspects of a building, including energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, and the impact of materials used.
One crucial factor is the embodied carbon of the building.
Embodied carbon emissions, also known as "upfront" emissions, refer to the greenhouse gases released during the extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and installation of building materials. These emissions happen before the building even starts operating. Unlike day-to-day operational carbon emissions, which occur during a building's energy consumption, embodied carbon emissions are fixed during construction. So, reducing embodied carbon is essential to minimise a building's overall carbon footprint over its lifetime.
Strategies that we at Siecap NZ implement in a Homestar engagement:
Material Selection: We help the client, designer and builder choose low-carbon and sustainable building materials like recycled or reclaimed wood, low-carbon concrete, and natural insulation alternatives.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): We assist manufacturers with the analysis of the environmental impact of materials throughout their entire life span to help designers and builders make informed choices.
Building Design: We work with the client, designer and builder to optimise layouts, using locally sourced materials, and employing modular construction techniques to lower embodied carbon.
Construction Practices: We work with the client’s builder in adopting efficient construction practices, minimising waste, and using energy-efficient equipment.
Reducing embodied carbon in Homestar buildings comes with advantages:
Helping New Zealand achieve its climate goals by reducing overall carbon emissions. By minimising embodied carbon, a building's overall carbon footprint is reduced, leading to lower contributions to climate change and improved environmental health.
Buildings with low embodied carbon are more sustainable and generally result in a “healthier” building. The process of reducing embodied carbon often involves choosing materials that have lower environmental impacts. These materials are often more sustainable, renewable, and non-toxic, positively affecting both the environment and the health of those using the building.
Using sustainable materials and construction methods leads to lower energy consumption and long-term savings in operational costs. Focusing on low-carbon materials and construction methods can result in more durable and resilient building. Buildings designed to withstand the test of time require fewer resources for repairs and replacements, thus reducing their overall environmental impact.
As sustainability and environmental consciousness become more significant factors for buyers and tenants, buildings with lower embodied carbon can gain a competitive advantage in the market. A reputation for being environmentally responsible can attract environmentally conscious occupants, enhancing the building's desirability and market value.
As the world moves towards a low-carbon future, New Zealand's Homestar rating system plays a vital role in promoting sustainability in the construction industry. By addressing embodied carbon and adopting sustainable building practices, Homestar buildings pave the way for a more environmentally responsible and climate-conscious residential construction sector. As awareness grows and technology advances, New Zealand's commitment to sustainability will continue to drive innovation and set new standards for global construction practices.
Contact Us Today!