Designing for Net-Zero Embodied Carbon – Practical Strategies

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Price

A$99.00

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Course Content

I. Introduction (5 min)
II. Learning Objectives (5 min)
VII. Summary & Key Takeaways (5 min)
Final Quiz – Designing for Net-Zero Embodied Carbon
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By the end of this course, participants will understand how to define embodied carbon and its importance in achieving net-zero building outcomes. They will be able to apply strategies to reduce embodied carbon across all project stages, including design, material selection, construction, and end-of-life planning. Participants will also gain practical skills in using Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) tools and integrating carbon reduction targets into procurement and specification processes.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding Embodied Carbon: Learn what embodied carbon is, how it differs from operational carbon, and why it’s a growing priority in achieving net-zero buildings.
  • Lifecycle Stages & Whole-of-Life Carbon Accounting: Explore how carbon emissions are generated across a building’s lifecycle, from material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
  • Regulatory Frameworks & Industry Standards: Gain insight into Australian regulations like the National Construction Code (NCC 2022), Green Star, and NABERS, which are shaping embodied carbon policies.
  • Strategies to Reduce Embodied Carbon: Discover key reduction strategies at different project stages, including early design decisions, material selection, construction techniques, and end-of-life considerations.
  • Material Selection & Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Tools: Learn how to evaluate materials based on their carbon impact using tools like eTool, One Click LCA, and the EPiC Database.
  • Procurement & Specification Best Practices: Understand how to write low-carbon specifications, require Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and integrate carbon reduction into procurement policies.
  • Real-World Case Studies & Practical Applications: Examine successful low-carbon building projects, including mass timber buildings and infrastructure projects that have significantly reduced embodied carbon.

This ensures that CPD efforts align with professional regulatory requirements.

This CPD provides general guidance on professional responsibilities and documentation practices. It does not constitute legal advice or replace project-specific contractual or statutory obligations.

  • CPD Points: 1 Formal CPD Point
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Certificate Upon Completion
  • Difficulty Level: Advanced
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Compliance and Accreditation

Framework/Body

Relevant Sections

Focus Areas

National Construction Code (NCC 2022)

Whole-of-life sustainability guidance;
ABCB Guidelines on Sustainable Construction

Supports lifecycle carbon assessment, procurement integration, sustainable specification, and low-carbon design frameworks

NatHERS Protocols

Evolving toward Whole-of-Home & Lifecycle Carbon modules

Future alignment expected with lifecycle carbon tools and design energy/material integration

ABSA CPD Competency Area

Section 3.5 – Sustainability Principles; Lifecycle Analysis

Applies to carbon modelling, LCA use, and integration of materials with thermal performance context

Building Designers

BDAA CPD – Sustainability, Net-Zero Design, Material Specification

Supports early design carbon targeting, selection of low-carbon systems, and procurement integration

NSCA 2021 (Architects)

PC10, PC12, PC24, PC33, PC35, PC45

Covers LCA application, material benchmarking, and sustainable procurement in design documentation

Engineers Australia (Stage 2)

Sustainable Design;
Systems Integration;
Professional Commitment

Encourages low-carbon materials, supply chain evaluation, and LCA integration into system choices

Licensed Builders (State CPD)

Sustainable construction practices;
carbon-informed material selection

Relevant for understanding low-carbon concrete, steel alternatives, and construction waste strategies

Building Surveyors

Future NCC compliance pathways; embodied carbon caps (emerging)

Potential alignment with carbon benchmarking and documentation review processes

Urban Planners & Landscape Architects

Precinct-scale carbon targets;
integrated site design

Relevant where embodied carbon intersects with landscape material use, precinct carbon modelling, and reuse strategies

This session is designed for

Architects
Building Designers
Sustainability Consultants
Engineers
Developers and Project Managers

What’s Included

This course covers the fundamentals of embodied carbon, including its definition, lifecycle stages, and distinction from operational carbon. It explores practical strategies to reduce embodied carbon at each phase of the project—from early design through construction to end-of-life. Participants will learn how to assess material impacts using Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) tools and evaluate products using Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). The course also addresses how to embed embodied carbon targets into procurement and specification practices, aligning with current Australian regulations and sustainability rating systems.

  • A 1-hour video session covering NCC-aligned strategies and real-world case studies.
  • An interactive quiz to test and reinforce knowledge.
  • An audio summary version via NotebookLM for flexible, on-the-go learning.
  • A downloadable certificate of completion for CPD compliance reporting.
  • Centralised CPD tracking dashboard to support audits and personal recordkeeping.
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Why Take This CPD Session?

Key industry regulations, including the National Construction Code (NCC), Green Star, and NABERS, will be discussed to help professionals align with evolving sustainability standards.

Practical case studies and real-world examples will demonstrate how low-carbon materials and construction techniques can significantly reduce embodied carbon.

By the end of this session, attendees will have the knowledge and tools to design, specify, and implement strategies for net-zero embodied carbon in their projects.

Professional development is an investment in career growth and regulatory compliance. Take the next step today.

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