Online carbon calculator allows builders to estimate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced during construction on a per project basis.

Figuring out, how the act of home building affects the planet, has always been a somewhat vague science until now. Today, builders, developers, and architects can gauge the eco-friendliness of projects that are on the boards or underway using an online "Construction Carbon Calculator" that quantifies the role of construction processes in the global warming equation.

Whereas other metrics tend to focus on greenhouse emissions produced during the lifespan of a completed building, www.buildcarbonneutral.org calculates the amount of CO^₂ produced specifically during the construction phase. Created by Mithun, a Seattle-based architecture and planning firm specializing in sustainable design, in partnership with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at University of Texas, the tool synthesizes factors such as habitat disturbance or protection, landscape installation or restoration, building size, materials, and processes. It is applicable to a range of project types and settings, from urban contexts without vegetation to large-scale greenfield developments.

Using square footage measurements, the calculator prompts users to input variables such as a building's size, number of floors, and structural frame material, as well as the project's eco-region and the amount and type of indigenous landscape removed or added.

The web application is intended as a process tool to help builders calculate the carbon footprint of a given set of project specs, and then figure out ways to reduce waste, renew energy, and offset carbon output by making adjustments to the pro forma.

Buildings account for approximately 48 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., according to the Environmental and Energy Institute.

Builders who use Icynene^® to insulate the homes they build can show homeowners that an even greater reduction in greenhouse gases can be achieved after construction is complete. This is because Icynene^® is an environmentally-friendly product that also helps reduce heating and cooling overloads, therefore reducing the homeowner's carbon footprint while living in an Icynene^®-insulated home.

Calculating Greenhouse Gases Post Construction

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designed a Power Profiler that helps you demonstrate the air emissions (proportions of Nitrogen Oxide, Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Dioxide) attributable to the electricity used in the homes you build. Based on ZIP code, it will compare the fuel mix and air emission rates of the electricity in the region with the national average and determine the air emissions impact of electricity used in the home.

Simply enter the electric utility in kWh (can be obtained from the homeowner's energy bills) in the chart following ‘My Emissions' link. You can precisely enter the monthly utility data for a year or enter monthly average utility to determine the estimated pounds of air emissions attributable to the electricity used in the home during one year.

How does Icynene^® help builders reduce their environmental impact?

During Construction:

A key goal of sustainable building is to reduce the amount of material used in construction and minimize the impact on the waste stream. Icynene^® provides a significant barrier to airflow without the need for labor-intensive sealing material. For instance, Blower Doors Tests have proven that, of the total reduction in airflow through a building envelope, 93% can be achieved by applying Icynene^® to stud walls with exterior sheathing and brick facing in place (prior to drywall installation).

As an open-celled material, Icynene^® is easily compacted, dramatically reducing the waste volume in comparison to other insulation materials.

Post Construction:

If an insulation material off-gases, not only does it contribute to poor indoor air quality, but it also diminishes the insulation's R-value and level of performance over time. Icynene^® uses water as the only blowing agent and contains no ozone-depleting substances, PBDEs or any other brominated compounds. Hence, it does not off-gas and maintains its rated R-value and energy performance levels over time. Selecting products that provide longevity, like Icynene^®, will eliminate the need for the installation and/or reinstallation of additional material in the future. Homeowners can enjoy a healthier, quieter and more energy efficient home today and for years to come.

Icynene^® works as an insulation and air barrier to keep the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Its ability to control airflow also allows for rightsizing of the HVAC system helping reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

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