Embodied Carbon Calculator
Use this calculator to determine a high level overview of impacts of building types on embodied carbon calculations, as compared with operational carbon and costs.
About this Calculator
- Calculate a carbon budget based on a) size, b) build type, c) building stories and d) performance target.
- Calculate a Carbon Budget relative to the project size, quality and performance target based on a 30yr. energy cost projection.
- Aim at understanding the relationship between the GWP (Global Warming Potential) of a range of building types and massing, with the 30yr. energy energy, cost and carbon impacts.
- Note: We have assumed default carbon impacts based on a review of precedent buildings, others may reach different conclusions. We will refine this as we gather additional data.
- The numbers generated in this calculator reflect our own practice only, and experience based on recently completed projects.
- Numbers generated here should not be taken as anything more than guidance from the perspective of one practicing architect in Ontario, Canada.
- The uncertainty and lack of granular data around individual products means that aiming for a larger number based on a ‘Fermi’ estimate may ultimately be of more utility when a project is in the pre-design stage.
- We are working on determining a more accurate coefficient to represent the square-cube law of taller structures, for now, we are using a placeholder of x1/2 where x = number of stories.
D. Disclaimer
Thomson Architecture, Inc. has used reasonable efforts to provide accurate and current information in the calculators on this website, but we cannot accept any liability for the content and we make no warranty or representation of any kind concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained on this website for any purpose. We also provide links to other websites as a convenience but not as an endorsement. You should never rely on, or take, or fail to take any action, based upon the information on this website alone without independent verification. Users should obtain appropriate legal and technical advice. The information presented here is for educational and information purposes only, which you may use at your own risk.