January 2026 — NGO/Government Roundtable on Embodied Carbon

Roundtable: NGO/Government Alignment
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The NGO/Government Roundtable has the following objectives:

  • Share news, strategic plans, resources, and tools related to embodied carbon.
  • Report planning and future dates for conferences, webinars, and meetings.
  • Inspire and facilitate ongoing communication and conversation among key leaders related to embodied carbon.
  • Encourage convergence on shared embodied carbon terminology, data standards, benchmarks, and targets for embodied carbon reduction.

Should your organization be a member? Contact Andrew Himes.

January 15, 2026

Alison Kinn Bennett — Building Transparency

  • Introduction & Background: Allison Kinn Bennett joined Building Transparency in October after previously leading the Construction Material Opportunities to Reduce Emissions (C-MORE) program at EPA.
  • EC3 2.0 Roadmap: The team is developing a technical roadmap for EC3 2.0, including refreshed software, improved user interface, and expanded global EPD ingestion capabilities to support Scope 3 and construction emissions accounting.
  • Fundraising & Revenue: A fundraising campaign and revenue refresh are underway to support platform development and sustainability, potentially partnering with commercial entities to generate sustainable funding.
  • Governance & Advisory: Plans include refreshing the board and establishing an advisory board to bring expertise and guidance on platform growth, technical development, and nonprofit operations.
  • Engagement & Collaboration: Beta test EC3 2.0 features, share feedback, and provide advice on revenue and fundraising strategies, emphasizing learning from the community and fostering collaboration.

Nathan Forrest — California Nevada Cement Assn. reporting on new EC requirements from CARB (California Air Resources Board)

  • Legislation Overview: California Air Resources Board (CARB) is implementing Assembly Bills 43 and 2446, which require reductions in embodied carbon in buildings: 20% by 2030 and 40% by 2035.
  • Reporting Requirements: Manufacturers of construction materials must report embodied carbon impacts to CARB, which will build a comprehensive database of materials, sources, and vendors.
  • Project-Level Requirements: Reporting thresholds exempt small projects (residential ≤4 units, non-residential <10,000 sq ft). Larger projects must report materials and conduct life cycle analyses at the square-foot level.
  • Regulatory Status: The rules are still in rulemaking, with workshops, public comments, and feedback ongoing. CARB is expected to release a regulatory framework soon, with final rulemaking anticipated in May.
  • Materials Covered: Initial focus is on cement, concrete, iron/steel, glass, insulation, wood, and asphalt; future “Phase 2” will include aluminum, clay, ceramics, lime, gypsum, and finishes/coatings.

Christopher Nelson - European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) / Deep Foundations Institute

  • nelsen@delveunderground.com
  • Project Overview: EFFC (European Federation of Foundation Contractors) and DFI (Deep Foundations Institute) are updating a geotechnical carbon calculator originally developed over 14 years ago.
  • Tool Development: The calculator is transitioning from an Excel-based tool to a dynamic web app, with alpha testing completed and beta testing beginning in 1–2 months; full release is expected in Q3 this year.
  • Data Integration & Purpose: The tool will integrate with the EC3 database and other sources, serving both as a project-level calculator and an industry learning platform to analyze carbon impacts of various geotechnical construction techniques.
  • Funding Needs: The project represents the largest expenditure for both organizations; they are seeking external funding, sponsorships, and member support from federal, state, local, NGO, and engineering firm sources.
  • Next Steps & Engagement: Following full release, the tool will support data compilation, industry reports, and ongoing insights; contact information and resources for interested parties are being shared via chat.

Sonja O’Claire – Sound Transit Seattle

  • Sound Transit Sustainability Plan: The organization is finalizing a new sustainability plan, scheduled for board approval in February, with several goals related to embodied carbon.
  • Embodied Carbon Goals: Three key initiatives include:
    • Developing a uniform life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology for design and construction.
    • Assessing and incorporating embodied emissions limits for materials like concrete, steel, glass, asphalt, insulation, and masonry.
    • Creating a robust buy-clean procurement strategy.
  • Additional Strategies: Other related efforts include establishing building deconstruction, salvage, and relocation practices, and tracking on-site construction emissions.
  • Updating Design Requirements: Division One technical specifications and the requirements manual are being updated to incorporate whole-building LCA ( A–C) into projects.
  • Reduction Targets: Initial full-building LCA reduction targets are being set, currently aiming for approximately 20% reduction from baseline, with refinement expected as more data and research become available.
  • Q: Are you coordinating with the Washington state Buy Clean and Buy Fair initiative? We are supporting that effort and happy to share notes.
    • Currently Sound Transit is not accountable to the WA BCBF. We are aware of it and the two building code proposals related to embodied carbon reductions. The intention is for our BC strategy will go beyond EPD disclosure and be closer to the CARB buy clean program with required emission reductions for Whole-building LCA and for targeted material categories.

Melanie De Cola - AIA

  • melaniedecola@aia.org
  • DDX Platform Update: The team updated the Designed Data Exchange (DDX) platform to include embodied carbon reporting, adapting CLF spreadsheets for easier member data input, totals, and intensity calculations.
  • Data Collection Progress: In 2024, 9,000 projects reported embodied carbon data (up from ~4,000 previously), with a program-record 56% predicted energy-use intensity (PEUI) reduction, though below the 70% goal.
  • Project Trends: The majority of embodied carbon data comes from office projects, followed by other assemblies, K–12, retail, and multifamily; smaller projects may be contributing more to reporting than total square footage.
  • Renovation vs. New Construction: Major office renovations reported lower embodied carbon intensities than new construction, consistent with expectations; other building types followed the reverse trend.
  • Ongoing Analysis: The team plans to continue refining the data, assessing reliability of self-reported embodied carbon data, and providing more detailed breakdowns over time; relevant reports and links will be shared.
  • Q: Is the data reported to DDX aligned with ECHO schema?
    • Partner of ECHO group, took the schema and used the required fields and introduced that into the DDX to share like-minded data across programs
    • Steep learning curve for updating DDX and user understanding

Jacob Werner — International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL)

  • werner@ellenzweig.com. I am an architect in Boston, Co-Chair of AIA 2030, and chapter president of I2SL New England
  • Lab Emissions Data Platform: I2SL is maintaining the Laboratory Benchmarking Tool, which collects energy and operational carbon data for lab building projects.
  • Expanded Dataset: Over the past two years, the platform has been expanded to include embodied carbon data, increasing the scope of analysis for laboratory buildings.
  • Best Practices Guide: I2SL is developing an embodied carbon best practices guide specifically for laboratories.
  • Data Analysis Collaboration: They are working with CLF team members to analyze LBT data against the CLF reports to generate actionable insights for lab buildings.
  • Engagement & Accessibility: The platform and upcoming guide are designed to support the broader community in understanding and reducing embodied carbon in laboratory design and operations.

Tracy Huyhn - RMI

  • Tracy Huynh: thuynh@rmi.org
  • Chris Magwood: cmagwood@rmi.org (for getting involve with national EC study for residences in the US)
  • RMI Focus Areas: advancing embodied carbon reduction in the U.S. homebuilder sector, developing investment guides, exploring financing mechanisms, and expanding engagement in India.
  • U.S. Residential Standard: The Resident 1550 standard, a two-year effort to measure embodied carbon in residential buildings, is nearing finalization and expected for public release in spring this year.
  • India Capacity Building: RMI published an “EPD 101” guide for Indian manufacturers to report product-level embodied carbon and hosted a convening to discuss baseline studies and potential national benchmarks.
  • Investment & Financing Work: The CPACE workshop series is finalizing a primer on integrating embodied carbon provisions into CPACE programs, outlining policy pathways and program language.
  • Upcoming Research & Collaboration: Plans include a residential embodied carbon benchmark study; RMI is seeking funders and collaborators to support the work in 2026–2027.

Stephanie Dalo - ZEIC and CLF BC

  • stephanie.dalo@zeic.ca
  • Summit & Collective Impact: Attending the embodied carbon summit was inspiring, showing the growth of Seila Vancouver and the alignment of regional priorities across North America, Kenya, and Latin America.
  • City of Vancouver Engagement: Focus remains on supporting Vancouver’s embodied carbon goals; the city shifted from regulatory updates to incentives (e.g., 19% density bonus) and voluntary limits for smaller buildings, informed by ZEIC’sprogram data.
  • Capacity Building & Outreach: Initiatives include webinars, presentations, and “Embodied Carbon 101” sessions targeting senior decision-makers, as well as engaging structural engineers to demonstrate replicable carbon reduction strategies.
  • Working Groups & Resources: New and ongoing groups include the low-carbon material sourcing guide, circularity working group, specifications working group for templated project language, and a structural engineers group to validate replicable strategies.
    Awards & Symposium: The embodied carbon awards enter their fourth year with six categories, complemented by a symposium designed based on industry input and advisory committee guidance to share best practices and insights.
  • BC Embodied Carbon Awards: The Call for Applications will open Monday, Jan 19th

Colleen Loader — Canada GBC

  • Vancouver Incentive Program: The city has extended its climate incentive program and released new resources, helping maintain momentum despite a council that hasn’t been fully supportive of climate action.
  • Political Context: Local politics in Vancouver remain challenging, but upcoming elections may bring a more supportive council, which could strengthen ongoing climate initiatives.
  • National Building Code Updates: Canada is considering embodied carbon (GHG emissions) limits in the National Building Code, which provinces typically adopt within 1–2 years.
  • Code Update Timeline: The National Building Code operates on a five-year update cycle, with updates planned for 2025 and 2030; a committee is working on embedding embodied carbon/GHG targets into future codes.
  • Vancouver’s Influence: Vancouver provides guidance to the national committee, helping shape policies that aim to minimize embodied carbon in buildings; additional resources and information will be shared in the chat.
  • the City of Vancouver did release more low rise multifamily embodied carbon direction in December. Their Zero Emissions Buildings Incentive (the 19% floor area exclusion for Net Zero/Passive House low-rise homes) - previously set to expire at in 2025, now extended to 2030 with the addition of a 40% EC reduction requirement. They have also published new resources, including requirements, modeling guidance, a reporting template (see “Embodied Carbon in Zero Emission Buildings in R1, RT and RA Zoning Districts” drop down on their website.)
  • As mentioned, the group that oversees the model national building codes in Canada have released their final position paper for directing the development of technical provisions for the management of embodied GHG emissions for 2030 code update - these model codes would set the minimum for all new buildings in Canada.
  • In alignment with this, the sixth revision to the mandate on the Terms of Reference for the National Model Codes Committee on Climate Change Mitigation, was approved in Dec 2025 which directs the work to have performance requirements to minimize excessive embodied emissions.

Amanda D. Smith - Drawdown

  • Senior Scientist, Built Environment – amanda.smith@drawdown.org, Insights by Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D. | Project Drawdown®
  • Drawdown Explorer Launch: The platform provides accessible, science-based information on climate solutions, with a focus on directing capital, policy, and action to strategies with the greatest impact.
  • Built Environment Focus: The team ensures solutions for the built environment align with best science and building research, leveraging over 80 solutions and big data for regional and global context.
  • Interactive Tools & Transparency: Each solution has a dashboard showing potential emissions reductions, global comparisons, and downloadable maps and images; methodology and data are fully transparent for public use.
  • Priority Solutions & Co-Benefits: Emergency-response solutions (e.g., refrigerants) are highlighted for rapid climate impact, while additional benefits like jobs, health, and well-being are noted to support deployment.
  • Future Developments: Upcoming updates include 150–180 total solutions, more localized mapping features, and integration of “enabling technologies” (like battery storage or circular building practices) into solution frameworks; external reviewers are sought for specific expertise such as district heating.
  • What is a climate solution, what is not, and why? Webinar

Bob Redwine — Colorado Embodied Carbon Collaborative

  • Origins of the Collaborative: Founded by Bob, a retired structural engineer, and three architectural clients in 2019–2021 to address embodied carbon at the ground level within the local architectural community.
  • Mission & Membership: Focused on reducing embodied carbon, the collaborative consists mainly of architectural firms and engages national contractors, professional organizations, and local government agencies.
  • Practical Tools & Resources: Developed a Colorado-specific map of regulations, Excel-based conceptual design tools for walls, and supplier databases to support low-carbon material selection.
  • Benchmarking & Analysis: Conducted lifecycle assessments (LCAs) across materials and building components, comparing results with Perkins and Will and CLF benchmarks; identified FF&E as a significant contributor to embodied carbon.
  • Innovation & Emerging Materials: Monitoring new low-carbon concrete products (e.g., LC3, Blue Planet, Brimstone, Subline) to evaluate emissions reductions and scalability in the U.S. market.

Lyndsay Watkins - USGBC

  • Greenbuild Highlights: The conference featured an innovative building materials summit, sessions on embodied carbon and its intersectionality, and strong engagement from attendees.
  • Tools & Resources Updates: The reduced embodied carbon credit calculator was recently updated to fix bugs and is available in the Credit Library; feedback is welcomed.
  • Global Alignment & Guidance: Announced a Global Materials Alignment MOU among organizations like GBC Australia and USGBC to standardize approaches on embodied carbon, social equity, and ecosystem health; reference guide updated in November with more guidance forthcoming.
  • New Credits & Pilots: Launch of pilot credits for circularity and multi-attribute documentation, including BPSP credit expansion for various building components, innovative low-carbon concrete procurement, and anticipation of LEED v6 developments.
  • Administrative Updates: Technical Advisory Group welcomes new members, and the B 4.1 sunset date has shifted to July 1, 2026 (end of Q2).