BCIA Publishes Guide to Embodied Carbon

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07 August 2023

The Building Controls Industry Association has released a new technical guide on how embodied carbon can be reduced in BEMS systems.

The new guide, “Building Energy Management System (BEMS) Design and Embodied Carbon” addresses the fact that all new contracts must have consideration for embodied carbon reduction included in the BEMS design.

Embodied carbon is the equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle of a building.

By reducing the materials used in the BEMS systems, the embodied carbon and the cost is also reduced. The durability and longevity of BEMS components also reduces embodied carbon.

The most up-to-date BEMS controls are installed to ensure they last the full life expectancy of that product. For example, using legacy controls on an existing BEMS installation that may need to be replaced during the operational period of the building will increase the embodied carbon during maintenance of the system.

Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) President Graeme Rees said: “The BCIA Technical Guides are a vital tool designed to help members and anyone working in the building controls and BEMS industry work more effectively.

"This latest guide details the importance placed on the reduction of carbon emissions by governments around the world and the steps consultants and specifiers can take to reduce Embodied Carbon, including early engagement with clients and ensuring the most up to date BEMS controls are installed.”

All Technical Guides can be downloaded from the “Technical Guides” section of the BCIA website.

Picture: a photograph of a hard hat resting on a PV solar panel. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 07 August 2023

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