Understanding Embodied Carbon – Net Zero Considerations for Precast Concrete

Presented By:

Embodied-carbon requirements are being implemented in various ways and at different stages of the project design, from “Buy Clean” programs, specification language and California’s Zero Net Carbon Design (ZNCD) goals, to owners and above-code programs that establish benchmarks and percentage improvement targets. Navigating these newer requirements can seem daunting. This presentation will focus on examples of each different embodied carbon implementation method, pros and cons and the value of each method, and understanding how architects and structural engineers can address reductions at different project stages. The presentation will also address how applying these strategies can result in energy savings and life-saving resilient solutions.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn various definitions of embodied carbon that exist in the marketplace.

Participants will be able to identify embodied-carbon requirements by jurisdictions and owners.

Participants will learn benefits and disadvantages of embodied-carbon reduction strategies at different design stages.

Participants will understand how net-zero strategies can lead to energy savings and resilient structures.

Date: March 16, 2023

Webinar Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Learning Units: 1.0 AIA HSW Units (+ 1.0 ZNCD Hour Towards 2023 CAB License Renewal)

Presenters: 

Emily Lorenz, PE (IL)

Emily Lorenz is an independent consultant in the areas of LCA, EPDs, PCRs, green building, and sustainability. She serves as an engineer in the areas of green structures and practices, energy efficiency, thermal properties, and moisture mitigation. Lorenz also specializes in building code and standards work and advocacy. Lorenz actively participates as chair of the ASTM International Committee E60 on Sustainability, as a subcommittee member of the American Concrete Institute’s building code committee (sustainability), as an expert to ISO TC59\SC17\WG3 Environmental Declarations of Products, and as a consultant to the Envelope Subcommittee of ASHRAE 90.1.

Ruth Lehmann, PE (CA, IL), PMP, LEED Green Associate

Ruth Lehmann is the Executive Director of PCI West, a chapter of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) representing the prestressed concrete industry in California and Nevada.  Prior to joining PCI West Ms. Lehmann worked as a consulting civil engineer for over 20 years, providing resilient and sustainable material design solutions for building and transportation projects.  Ms. Lehmann currently serves on technical committees related to material sustainability with PCI and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).