An Introduction to Embodied Carbon in Construction

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About eLearning Course: An Introduction to Embodied Carbon in Construction

Duration
2 days

Modules/Topics
4 Modules
22 Video Topics
4 Worked Example/Case Study Topics
10 Quizzes
1 Final Test

Time to Complete
12 months access

Learning Format
Online, self-paced

Level
Foundation+ (Beginner-Intermediate, Introductory)

Certificate
Digital proof of completion

This online introductory course offers a practical guide to understanding and assessing embodied carbon in construction. Designed for construction professionals, consultants, and sustainability advocates, the course walks you through a complete embodied carbon assessment, from concept to reporting.

Learn at your own pace through short video topics and worked examples, with the option to complete a final test and earn a certificate.

The modules cover a wide range of relevant topics such as:

  • An introduction to the history and context (background) of embodied carbon, and its significance in buildings and infrastructure
  • An essential overview of the importance of embodied carbon and key concepts
  • A walkthrough of defining boundaries of an assessment, setting a fair functional unit, and understanding what to include
  • An overview of the embodied carbon of different construction materials
  • Understanding target audiences and peer verification
  • An overview of standards, including EN 15978 and EN 15804
  • Targets and guidelines for embodied carbon assessments, covering government policies and industry specific standards (including EN 15804, EN 15978, and PAS standards), best practices, BREEAM credits, and Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
  • Methodology: Accounting for biogenic carbon, addressing the end of life of materials (including substitution, 50:50, and recycled content methods)
  • How to find and interpret data and tools. An introduction to using free and paid databases, including the Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) Database, DEFRA/DESNZ emissions factors, and EPDs. A brief overview of embodied carbon calculation tools
  • Worked examples and case studies of calculating embodied carbon
  • Use worked examples to interpret results, make fair comparisons and recognise hotspot areas for improvement
  • An overview of common mistakes and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Explore embodied carbon reductions, the benefits and uncertainties of embodied carbon assessments

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the foundations and importance of embodied carbon in construction
  • Perform a basic embodied carbon assessment for construction projects
  • Navigate relevant standards, databases, and software tools
  • Interpret results and identify carbon hotspots for reduction
  • Build confidence to progress to more intermediate training

Who is this Course For?

This course is suitable for:

  • Built environment professionals (architects, engineers, contractors)
  • Consultants and sustainability professionals
  • Local authorities and infrastructure bodies
  • Academics and students with a focus on construction sustainability

What Level is this Course?

Foundation+ (Beginner-Intermediate, Introductory)

No prior knowledge of embodied carbon is required, although two topics in particular (‘Method for Recycling’ & ‘Biogenic Carbon’) are explored in more technical, intermediate level detail. Suitable for individuals and teams looking to introduce or improve their understanding of embodied carbon in construction.

Embodied Carbon in Construction eLearning Question: GHGs Comprising CO2 Equivalents

What main greenhouse gases (GHG) make up CO2 equivalents?

Have you ever wondered what goes into the number we call “carbon emissions”? It’s not just CO2. When we talk about a carbon footprint, we’re actually referring to CO2 equivalents (CO2e). This is a common unit used to measure the combined global warming potential (GWP) of multiple greenhouse gases.

A 3D render of various constructions

Supporting the ICE Database

Thank you for choosing Circular Ecology for your training needs. By taking our Introduction to Embodied Carbon in Construction eLearning course, not only are you expanding your skills, but you’re also helping to support open access sustainability data for 50,000+ users around the world.

67% of course income (excl. VAT) is reinvested into maintaining and updating the Inventory of Carbon & Energy (ICE) Database, a widely used embodied carbon dataset, primarily for construction materials.

The ICE Database is used globally by sustainability professionals, architects, engineers, and researchers to improve carbon assessments in construction and beyond. Your contribution helps keep the data accurate, current, and freely available.

Interested in finding out more about supporting the development of the ICE Database? Visit: https://circularecology.com/how-to-support-ice.html

The Learning Process

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Learn at Your Own Pace

Utilising the array of real world examples, calculations, and videos, learn in your own time

Final Tests

Each course has an end of course test designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the modules

Earn a Certificate

Upon passing the final test, you will be eligible for a digital proof of training certificate

Plant a Tree

Share your certificate on LinkedIn and tag us, and we will plant a tree in your name

What Learners Have to Say About Our eLearning Courses:

“Many thanks for the efforts which went into courses. I was particularly impressed with the ease of which new, detailed content was explained and use of real world examples.”

Joe

“The course has been very worth while and I appreciate the opportunity to download the slides so I can study and use after the course!”

Jake

“I am currently enrolled in your training course on embodied carbon and have found the material highly informative and engaging.”

“Thank you for your assistance and for providing such a valuable course.”

Dilba

“a great course with a good mix of theory & practice which will be very useful to my role.”

Jared

“Very informative.”

Ben

“Thank you for putting your time and creating such an informative LCA course. I would look forward to more courses like this and any updates.”

“I am glad that I have passed. It is going straight on my LinkedIn 😉. “

Umendra

“I want to thank you for such good online training. I watched and listened to it several times as I found it really helpful and interesting.”

Veronika

“Thank you very much again for the course. It was very rewarding for me.”

Marta

“Very useful intro – helped us realise that LCA offers some insights for us, but that actually we need to, for our purposes, learn how to model impacts around individual needs/behaviours and not only around one object’s impacts.”

J. Gunter

“I would like to say that I enjoyed the courses and picked up some valuable information that I can apply to my role in undertaking WLCA's.”

Jacqueline

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Pricing, Contact, and FAQs

Prices: This course is part of the Circular Ecology eLearning Hub, which gives access to all our video training content. We offer discounted rates to non-profits and charities - please contact us for more info.

View our pricing structure and FAQ page for more information.

If you would like more information about our eLearning courses, please contact us at training@circularecology.com.

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