Figure 2.13 Embodied carbon emissions per structure component

 In medium and large residential buildings the embodied carbon from the buildings` superstructure has a larger percentage share due to the larger number of floors. The share of the components are as follows:  Superstructure - 46% ,  Substructure - 21%,  Internal finishes - 16%,  Facade - 13%,  MEP - 4%.  Also, the share of the maintenance and repair phase (B1-B5) is larger, compared to small buildings, contributing with 25%, while the product phase (A1-A3) participates with 64%.

Figure 2.13Embodied carbon emissions per structure component

In order to reduce the embodied carbon emissions, the following recommendations are given.

Build Less  Use of recycled/reusable materials or local materials.  Recheck/rethink/revise the clients` brief and look for sustainable solutions  Seek for possibility of design of multi-functional spaces  Material efficient design, using standard component sizes or modular design.  Simplification of the design and construction means less embodied carbon

Build light  Optimize buildings` load bearing structure: spans, system and loads.

Build wise

 Ensure longevity of material and systems specifications.  Structural members should be designed for high utilization rate where possible.  Analyzing a site is an important activity at the start of a project and this can be extended to the identification of ways of reducing embodied carbon.  Possible opportunities include: Existing structures or buildings that can be reused or become a source of recycled materials should be considered.  There may be locally sourced material options, reducing transport to site while allowing architectural expression of the context.