Optimizing Embodied Emissions

In a recent column, I wrote about understanding embodied emissions in terms of how they are measured and accounted for based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) [1]. In this column, I will discuss how embodied emissions can be optimized and research challenges that our community can address. First, a quick recap. Embodied emissions, also known as scope 3 emissions, are indirect emissions of an organization that result from all other upstream and downstream activities, such as from purchased goods and services [2]. Operational emissions, on the other hand, are emissions resulting from burning fuels or consuming energy such as electricity. To decarbonize any system, it is important to reduce both its embodied and operation emissions, collectively referred to as lifecycle emissions.