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![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F7_formfactor-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=118&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=21a8d27d04cf99fac4ecf33ea4d845da 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F7_formfactor-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=237&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=74945f2b5d68729e1ab4d45186d3e75c 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F7_formfactor-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=433&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=5cd39026793cf77d0a58ced116f78e96 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F7_formfactor-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=577&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=9cb3f9fd7fb6e8b7ae22b1f099eacba4 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F7_formfactor-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=789&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=97e074764a59b6e9d3beeb21367e9917 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F7_formfactor-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=901&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=a9b48451a0606006b46ae0f5e8f1263b 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F7_formfactor-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1082&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=b3bd0267345b97459ae0dff2ccb2089b 1920w)
Form factor
If the case is made for a new build, then the massing of the building is one of the biggest factors in determining its embodied carbon. ‘Form factor’, the ratio of heat loss envelope (ground, walls and roof) to heated floor space is often discussed in terms of minimising operational carbon but it makes a huge difference to embodied carbon as well. The simplicity and efficiency of a building’s form is key, as increasing complexity almost always increases embodied carbon. Each recessed entrance, cantilever, inset balcony and facade step comes at a carbon cost and we designers must be rigorous in using these only when essential. Of course, our designs must always respond to context and scale, and must always provide great daylight, ventilation, and outdoor spaces for occupants’ wellbeing, but we must do this in the most efficient way possible to reduce embodied carbon. Helpfully, this is a win-win situation, where the most compact and efficient design is also usually the lowest cost.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F8_facade-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=118&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=f5e1ba4d70c1f13b3ec49bde6b07d8ba 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F8_facade-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=237&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=d3a7fd76ef27f51fb30b557a4be7619e 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F8_facade-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=433&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=5dd889de3d791634766dfa34dc66dc2a 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F8_facade-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=577&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=e1e7fda4929b10f56bf41b31f3c00009 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F8_facade-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=789&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=92cedd42b40440cde2aa3e86438d83b0 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F8_facade-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=901&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=9f91290ba05c8929ae5599a06615bc36 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F8_facade-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1082&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=3e707bbbbec6c4d11123991e7930fcaf 1920w)
These examples show how the same sized office building on the same sized site can have a very different form factor and wall-to-floor ratio according to its shape. The carbon footprint of the facade construction will vary greatly depending on how much facade is needed to enclose the same floor area.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F12_Carbon-contribution-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=118&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=b097ba7200e61f11e312e3cd78760b99 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F12_Carbon-contribution-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=237&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=67e08bbd98289b0ee2112d6248d5440e 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F12_Carbon-contribution-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=433&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=a75f90121351575b5094c02230ed5493 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F12_Carbon-contribution-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=577&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=b8c30bd25a3c551add9a5f6167b7a807 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F12_Carbon-contribution-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=789&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=76a026434f9fc71842b8814618452f69 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F12_Carbon-contribution-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=901&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=e0fdf848781a456888315f2d8306bbb6 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F12_Carbon-contribution-page-001.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1082&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=8f9974a228d79e60a7137feb574fff47 1920w)
Structural efficiency
The largest portion of embodied carbon in a new building is in the structure and substructure.
Structural engineers are successfully leading the conversation on reducing embodied carbon through reuse, minimising basements, smaller and more efficient building grids, and questioning loading criteria. Andrew Wylie of Buro Happold gave a great 10 minute presentation of their structural sensitivity study at the Architects Declare Workshop on Embodied Carbon in March 2020.
As architects, we must prioritise structural efficiency in our earliest concept sketches, often before the engineers are appointed. The buildings we build now must be ‘long life, loose fit’ to ensure they can be adapted to future needs. Smaller building grids usually reduce upfront embodied carbon but are sometimes resisted as being less adaptable. In fact, the most common reason for not being able to reuse an existing structural frame is that the floor-to-floor height is too small, not that there are too many columns. With an extra few hundred millimetres on the storey height, a building is much more adaptable and future-proofed to new servicing strategies or local structural changes. We believe that embodied carbon is often better spent on storey height, giving better daylighting and ventilation options, than in a wider column spacing. On one of our larger workplace schemes, we have developed an innovative ‘tree column’ to give smaller structural grid efficiencies while maintaining a wider column spacing. When minimising embodied carbon is a serious goal, innovative designs arise through collaboration.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F13_treecolumn.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=115&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=31a673e4baa3ceb3086f2583c41659f8 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F13_treecolumn.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=229&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=225a060a10285983883b89be209a25f7 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F13_treecolumn.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=419&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=39dd4ebd398fbae9f7a1493cb812ee1f 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F13_treecolumn.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=559&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=495a92a132f04d55a5270e407c9e3974 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F13_treecolumn.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=764&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=498b51890ce003391ae4c841cfbb908c 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F13_treecolumn.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=873&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=1fd06e95d8b4022ca25a5175fd47e40e 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F13_treecolumn.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1047&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=13572ea02323e8196f539f1e28c5fc46 1920w)
Facade and structure
Structural efficiency doesn’t end with the building grid. The way the facade is supported or restrained by the primary structure can have a big impact on the structural embodied carbon and the way it’s made affects its aesthetic. So our first concept sketches can set constraints on the facade which affect the structure and we must be mindful of the impact on embodied carbon.
It’s not as simple as a heavy facade needing more structure than a light facade; often, limits on structural deflection are more critical. The diagrams below show four different ways that the facade can interface with the primary structure.
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- A load-bearing facade can avoid a potential doubling up of a strong facade and the primary edge structure. This is a radical option which affects thermal lines and programme, particularly, but could result in big embodied carbon savings.
- A self-supporting facade carries its own weight down to the ground and takes restraint only from the primary structure. This is a good option for up to five or six storeys and can keep the primary structure very lean.
- Facades that can span between column positions load the primary structure only at its strongest points. Panelised facades, made off-site, can have a very efficient relationship to the primary structure.
- Facade systems which fix all along the primary edge structure, such as curtain walling, SFS or blockwork, will need those edge beams to be stiffened, increasing the embodied carbon of the structure. We can try to design for increased deflections, perhaps making wider joints part of our design aesthetic.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F15_TLB_01125_00_N19_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=143&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=3e4e6790baf6217504e8ad16eee5f419 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F15_TLB_01125_00_N19_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=286&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=6f4fcb30b5e45ec381b22060620d6c14 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F15_TLB_01125_00_N19_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=524&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=416671af1d84c69a50100eb554504fe1 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F15_TLB_01125_00_N19_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=698&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=01a20cf85c2317d1ca8afffb0a90e16b 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F15_TLB_01125_00_N19_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=954&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=287a57ac4308311b0ebbbe8b9f80331d 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F15_TLB_01125_00_N19_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1091&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=75fbd2dc995e1afef3059b0de18d4359 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F15_TLB_01125_00_N19_medium-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1309&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=f0d1328505ec363dfd0fa5bca696243f 1920w)
CLT panel used as a backing wall for the ceramic rainscreen at our Teaching and Learning Building for University of Nottingham. This loads the structural frame at the grid lines.
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Using less
So we can talk about making big reductions in embodied carbon without talking about materials at all. Key design moves at the start of the project will make the biggest difference: reusing existing buildings where possible, keeping new building forms simple and efficient, ensuring structural efficiency, keeping structural grids small and considering how the facade interacts with the frame are key contributors to the overarching principle of using less. Then as the conversation moves to materials, we’ll have the best chance of meeting ambitious embodied carbon targets.