CIBSE has launched its first dedicated communications campaign, shining a spotlight on embodied carbon – the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the full lifecycle of building materials and systems.
This campaign is the first in a series of communications campaigns CIBSE will be rolling out over the coming months, each focusing on a critical area where building services engineers can drive meaningful change.
Why embodied carbon matters
Traditionally, efforts to decarbonise the built environment have focused on reducing operational emissions – the energy required to heat, cool, light, and power buildings. But as energy systems continue to decarbonise, embodied carbon has become an increasingly significant share of a building’s footprint.
From the extraction and manufacturing of materials, to transport, installation, and end-of-life disposal, embodied carbon represents a third of the total emissions from buildings worldwide. With the built environment responsible for around 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions, addressing embodied carbon is critical to achieving net zero.
How CIBSE is supporting the industry
CIBSE is at the forefront of helping engineers, designers, and consultants measure, report, and reduce embodied carbon in building services systems. Key initiatives include:
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TM65 guidance: CIBSE’s Technical Memorandum 65 provides a clear methodology for estimating embodied carbon in mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) systems, even when Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are not available.
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System-level guidance: TM65.1 (residential heating), TM65.2 (lighting), TM65.3 (logistics centres), and the upcoming TM65.4 (office HVAC systems), offering tailored advice for early-stage design and decision-making.
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Digital tools and templates: practical resources to apply TM65 calculations consistently across projects.
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Regional addenda: adjusted guidance for projects in Northern America, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.
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Standards and regulation: CIBSE is a founding member of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS) and fully supports the Part Z campaign to regulate embodied carbon.
An animated video produced as part of the campaign explains embodied carbon in simple terms and highlights how CIBSE’s expertise can help the industry take meaningful action.
Looking ahead
This is the first of several campaigns CIBSE will launch to support the building services sector in addressing the climate challenge. By sharing knowledge and practical tools, CIBSE is helping professionals worldwide design and deliver truly low-carbon buildings.
Reducing embodied carbon is no longer optional – it is essential to meeting climate targets.
Visit the campaign's page HERE