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Environment Agency will share calculator
Posted: 31/10/2007
A new online tool that will help construction companies plan carbon-wise projects and reduce their carbon footprint has been launched by the Environment Agency. The spreadsheet-based tool, which from November 2007 will be mandatory to use during the planning stage on all major Environment Agency construction projects, is now being made available to other construction companies, government bodies and consultants.
The Environment Agency says "We have a broad interest in construction and the associated environmental impacts. We are also a significant construction client. Our construction spend (~£200 million for 2007-08) accounts for approximately 3% of the construction civil engineering sector".
"As a construction client, our role is to lead by example and demonstrate what sustainable construction means in practice. Improving resource efficiency and reducing carbon emissions from our construction projects is an important part of that".
Working with Jacobs the EA has developed a carbon calculator aimed at its construction activities. They will be using it on all major construction projects from November 2007.
The carbon calculator is an Excel spreadsheet that calculates the embodied carbon dioxide (CO2) of materials plus CO2 associated with their transportation. It also considers personal travel, site energy use and waste management.
The tool aims help assess and compare the sustainability of different designs (in CO2 terms) and to influence option choice at the options appraisal stage. It will help highlight where 'big win' carbon savings can be made on specific construction projects. It can also calculate the Environment Agency's total carbon footprint from construction and help reduce it.
The Agency say "The tool was developed with our own construction activities in mind (predominantly fluvial and coastal construction projects). However, other construction clients, contractors and consultants may find it useful when assessing their own activities and therefore we are happy to share it".
The calculator can be downloaded from the Environment Agency website.
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