[Sparty]

The term "embodied decarbonisation" applies to manufactured goods like cars, critical materials, and even everyday objects just like it does for buildings. It refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the entire lifecycle of a product, from cradle (resource extraction) to grave (disposal or recycling).

Here's how embodied decarbonisation plays out in manufactured goods:

Raw material extraction and processing: Mining metals, harvesting resources like wood or rubber, and refining them all contribute to emissions.
Manufacturing processes: The energy used to turn raw materials into finished products like cars, electronics, or furniture creates emissions.
Transportation: Moving these materials and finished goods around the globe adds to the footprint.
Similar to buildings, reducing embodied emissions in manufactured goods involves strategies like:

Using low-carbon or recycled materials: For example, using recycled steel or aluminium in car manufacturing significantly reduces the footprint compared to virgin materials.
Energy-efficient manufacturing: Factories that use renewable energy sources or optimize their processes for lower energy consumption contribute to lower embodied carbon.
Lightweighting: Designing products with less material can reduce the emissions associated with both material extraction and transportation.
Design for disassembly and recyclability: Products that are easily taken apart and have components that can be recycled minimize the need for new, high-carbon materials.

By focusing on embodied decarbonisation, manufacturers can create products with a smaller environmental footprint, making them more sustainable throughout their lifecycle. This is becoming increasingly important for businesses as consumer demand for eco-friendly products grows and regulations around emissions tighten.