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Indicator

Embodied Carbon

Embodied Carbon / Incorporated Carbon

GHG emissions associated with raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport and end of life of a product or building, as opposed to use-phase emissions.

Updated

Full definition

Central concept for buildings and durable products. For a new building, embodied carbon (modules A1-A5 + C1-C4 under EN 15978) typically represents 40 to 60 % of life-cycle emissions over 50 years, the remainder being use (heating, electricity). In the automotive industry, embodied carbon reaches 25 to 35 % of the total for a combustion-engine car, but 50 to 70 % for an electric car (because of the battery). In France, governed by RE2020 for new buildings since 2022 (Ic_construction thresholds). Do not confuse it with operational carbon (emissions from the use of a building or product during its active life) or with biogenic carbon (sequestered in wood and released at end of life).

Also known as

  • Carbone incorporé
  • Carbone construction
  • Embodied carbon
  • Carbone matériel

Key figures

  • 60 to 90 %share of products and equipment in the carbon footprint of a high-performance new building over 50 years (RE2020)
    Source
  • 530 / 650 kgCO2e/m22025 Ic construction thresholds (detached house / multi-unit housing), lowered to 475/580 in 2028
    Source

References and sources