Embodied Carbon & Sustainability in the Built Environment – From the Inside Out

Though estimates vary, it is generally accepted that, globally, the construction sector is responsible for around 40 per cent of total carbon emissions. To address this situation, and avoid the potentially catastrophic consequences of climate change, the World Green Building proposes nothing less than total decarbonisation of the built environment by 2050.

To this end, it envisages a world in which “buildings are highly energy-efficient and grid-responsive, powered by electricity and/or renewable energy, and addressing whole life cycle carbon emissions.”

In this context, in this session of CPD Live, we consider the pathways to achieving the goal of a genuinely sustainable global construction sector. Beginning by defining the terms ‘Operational Carbon’ and ‘Embodied Carbon’, our speakers explain how these are assessed and measured, and just as importantly, how architects and designers can identify products and materials that perform well in this sense.

They explain the role that lifecycle assessments, environmental product declarations (EPDs), environmental certification, and the notion of circularity play in the move towards a more sustainable built environment.

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

• Quantify the degree to which the built environment contributes to carbon emissions and the problem of climate change
• Define the carbon-related terms, ‘operational carbon emissions’ and ‘embodied carbon emissions’
• Define the term ‘circularity’ and explain how it differs from the traditional ‘linear’ approach to production
• Identify the ways specifiers can identify building materials and design approaches that are genuinely sustainable

This presentation will deliver outcomes related to the following Competency/s from the National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021:

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

PC 10 – Demonstrate understanding of the whole life carbon implications of procurement methods, materials, components and construction systems.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

PC 31 – Be able to identify, analyse and integrate information relevant to environmental sustainability – such as energy and water consumption, resources depletion, waste, embodied carbon and carbon emissions – over the lifecycle of a project.

PC 35 – Be able to assess operational and embodied carbon implications of materials, components, construction systems and supply chains (including transport) to achieve net zero whole life carbon when developing design concepts. This includes integrating relevant consultant expertise and advising on the impact of chosen materials, components and systems on carbon outcomes.

PC 45 – Be able to nominate and integrate quality and performance standards with regard to selected materials, finishes, fittings, components and systems, considering the impact on Country and the environment, and the whole life carbon impact of the project. This includes integrating life cycle assessments and other expertise and advice from consultants.

Julian Sutherland, Lead of the JLL Sustainable Assets APAC team

Julian is a highly accomplished Chartered Building Services Engineer and sustainability expert with 35 years of experience in the built environment. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and a Certified Passivhaus Designer, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Lead of the JLL Sustainable Assets APAC team within the sustainability consulting business.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Julian specializes in sustainable design, environmental engineering, net zero carbon building design, low carbon masterplanning, and client design advisory. His expertise spans existing building retrofit, decarbonization strategies, and enhancing future asset value.

Julian’s approach is characterized by a strong commitment to championing existing building retrofit and decarbonization. He leverages his Passivhaus expertise to drive high-performance design across various projects, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable architecture and engineering.

With his extensive experience, diverse skill set, and leadership in sustainable building practices, Julian continues to make significant contributions to the field, driving the industry towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

Chris Gibbs, DESKLINE SBU Manager, LINAK APAC

Chris Gibbs, DESKLINE SBU Manager, LINAK APAC, works closely with the Asia Pacific team from his base in Thailand, the newest LINAK manufacturing facility. He supports supplying high-quality components to office furniture makers across the APAC region from this strategic location. With more than ten years of experience, including time spent at LINAK U.S., Chris has partnered with designers and manufacturers to develop solutions that align with the ever-changing demands of modern office design. He focuses on workplace trends, particularly those prioritising movement and wellbeing in the built environment.

Jobin Jose, Founder of Maram

Jobin is the founder of Maram, a Melbourne-based studio designing and manufacturing premium solid timber furniture. A mechanical engineer with fifteen years of industry experience, Jobin began his career in automotive manufacturing and brings the lean principles used there to furniture design and production.

With eight years of furniture-making experience, Jobin helps run a professional workshop and oversee production. He personally handles the CAD modelling and CNC programming behind Maram’s products, giving him a direct view of how design decisions play out on the workshop floor.

Maram combines traditional solid-timber craftsmanship with precision manufacturing, using CNC-driven efficiency and made-to-order batch production to reduce waste and, with it, embodied carbon. Jobin’s focus is on continuous improvement across design, manufacturing methods and material selection, asking not just what a piece is made from, but where it comes from, how efficiently it’s made and how long it can last.