101 Series: How to Reduce Embodied Carbon

In our next 101 session, Elisabeth Baudinaud, Principal and Founder of Carbon Wise, introduces the concept of embodied carbon—the hidden emissions embedded in the materials and construction processes of buildings. As buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions, reducing embodied carbon becomes a critical step in mitigating climate change. This session highlights why addressing embodied carbon holds equal importance to operational carbon in achieving a sustainable future. The presentation covers the fundamentals of embodied carbon, including how it differs from operational carbon and why it deserves prioritization by architects, designers, and builders. Elisabeth guides us through the entire lifecycle of a building, identifying key stages—from material sourcing to construction and demolition—where embodied carbon can be minimized. Attendees leave with a clear understanding of how to take actionable steps to reduce environmental impact in their projects. Equipped with practical strategies and tools, such as material selection guidelines, design approaches, and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, this session offers valuable insights for integrating embodied carbon reduction into both new constructions and renovations. Join us to learn from an industry leader and discover how you can contribute to a more sustainable, zero-carbon built environment. Elisabeth Baudinaud is the Principal and Founder of Carbon Wise, a consultancy focused on reducing both operational and embodied carbon in the built environment. With expertise in construction and sustainability, she leads a team helping organizations navigate the complexities of carbon reduction in design and construction. Elisabeth’s work bridges industry practices with climate targets through case studies, research, and policy development.