Pre-print: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=7272395
The need for housing is increasing globally at a time that climate science requires reductions in all sectors. This paper asks if current regulations for embodied GHG in building codes can meet science-based carbon budgets to keep global warming ‘well below 2°C’. The study reviews 18 regulations and frameworks as applied in 12 countries and compare the maximum allowable embodied carbon for new housing contained within each regulation or framework against targets based upon carbon budgets for the construction sector.
This paper first evaluates how regulations define and regulate embodied GHG emissions, what life cycle stages are covered, whether compliance with the regulatory rules are voluntary, mandatory or a mix of both, what kind of functional units are employed (kgCO2/m², per year or material-specific), as well as how mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), refrigerants, and on-site construction energy are accounted for.
Second, science-based benchmarks are derived downscaling from existing construction sector carbon budgets and spreading that over projected floor area under equity-per-capita (EPC) – every person on the planet is allocated the same allowable emissions – and grandfathering (GRA) – countries start reducing from their current emissions – allocation scenarios.
Download the two-page summary below!