Carbon Lens
CS × ArchitectureEmbodied carbon estimator for early-stage architectural design
What is embodied carbon?
Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions produced during the manufacture, transport, and installation of building materials, before the building is ever occupied. It typically accounts for 20-50% of a building's lifetime carbon footprint and is locked in at the point of construction. Making smarter material choices early in design is the highest-leverage moment for reducing a building's climate impact.
Data source
Carbon intensities from the ICE Database v3.0 (Inventory of Carbon and Energy, University of Bath), the industry standard reference for embodied carbon in construction materials. Results are estimates for comparative design decisions, not certified assessments.
Project Information
Material Schedule
| Material | Quantity | Unit | kgCO₂e / unit | Total kgCO₂e | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard ready-mix concrete | m³ | 300 | — | ||
Primary structural steel, virgin production | tonne | 2,500 | — | ||
Standard float glass, 6mm | m² | 25 | — |
Total Embodied Carbon
0 kgCO₂e
Carbon by Category
Enter material quantities above to see the breakdown.
Benchmark Comparison
Enter gross floor area and select a building type to see benchmark comparison.
Material Substitution Opportunities
Ranked by potential carbon saving, biggest wins first
Current
Concrete (General)
300 kgCO₂e/m³
Alternative
Concrete 30 MPa
270 kgCO₂e/m³
Current
Concrete (General)
300 kgCO₂e/m³
Alternative
Concrete 50% GGBS
165 kgCO₂e/m³
Current
Concrete (General)
300 kgCO₂e/m³
Alternative
Glulam Timber
-900 kgCO₂e/m³
Current
Structural Steel (Virgin)
2,500 kgCO₂e/tonne
Alternative
Structural Steel (Recycled)
500 kgCO₂e/tonne
Current
Structural Steel (Virgin)
2,500 kgCO₂e/tonne
Alternative
Glulam Timber
-900 kgCO₂e/m³
AI Consultant Report
Expert recommendations generated by Claude
Enter your material quantities and click "Generate Report" for AI-powered substitution recommendations and industry context.
Carbon intensities sourced from the ICE Database v3.0, University of Bath. Negative values (🌿) indicate carbon-storing materials where the biogenic carbon sequestered during tree growth exceeds production emissions. Results are for comparative design guidance only and should not be used for regulatory submissions without verification by a certified assessor.