Decarbonizing Building Materials: Exploring the Embodied Carbon of Structure and Enclosure Systems

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Sean Moore, SEBT, LEED AP BD+C

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Credits: This session has been approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH. | This session has been approved for 1.0 AIA LU/HSW. | 1 hour (60 min) of Education is eligible for 1 BSS Credit | 1 OAA Core Learning Hour | Session may qualify for PEEK CPD.
Session Topics(s): Sustainability/Resilience: SUS 

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Describe the process of embodied carbon reporting, including ISO 14040/1404, TRACI, and other life cycle assessment methodologies.
• Discuss practical strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of buildings through the selection of low-carbon building materials, which can be implemented in their projects immediately.
• Explain how the application of industry standards, such as the Toronto Green Standard, LEED, and CaGBC Zero Carbon Design enables informed decisions aligned with sustainability goals.
• Explore methods to mitigate embodied carbon emissions to drive positive change within the construction industry.

Description
This session will explore the crucial role of engineers, architects, and design team members in the selection of low-carbon building materials to alleviate the environmental impact of both new and existing structures. A comprehensive overview of industry standards for LCA reporting, including ISO 14040 to 14044 Environmental Management, TRACI, Upfront Embodied Carbon, and Absolute Embodied Carbon Intensity, will be discussed. This session is designed to equip design and construction teams with the knowledge needed to effectively implement LCA processes, thereby contributing to local and global efforts to combat climate change. By focusing on standards such as the Toronto Green Standard, LEED, and CaGBC Zero Carbon Design, attendees will gain detailed insights into material selection and decision-making processes. Furthermore, practical solutions for reducing a building’s environmental footprint will be presented. This session is essential for architects, engineers, contractors, and sustainability consultants seeking guidance with aligning their decisions with sustainability objectives. By exploring practical methods to mitigate carbon emissions, participants will position themselves to play an active and influential role in driving positive change within the construction industry.

Presenter/Author

Sean Moore, SEBT, LEED AP BD+C

Project Manager – Energy & Carbon Reduction Team
Pretium Engineering Inc.

Biography
Sean Moore is a solution-oriented sustainability professional with 10 years of experience in sustainability consulting with a specialization in building material selection and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). He has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to implement innovative design and construction solutions across various building types. Sean's expertise in LEED certification, net zero carbon design, carbon and energy optimization has guided projects to meet the highest levels of sustainable building and performance standards. Sean’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship has played a pivotal role in advancing the integration of sustainable practices within the built environment.