Introduction
The previous post discussed the key terminology around carbon and the basics of sequestering and using carbon in schemes. I’ll continue on with this exploring some more hot topic terminology and reference some excellent work from LETI, (Low Energy Transformation Initiative).
Much of this current material available is geared towards Architects, Structural Engineers and MEP, with little if any reference to the value of landscape and the natural environment in sequestering further carbon.
Landscapes are unique in that respect, and would benefit from their own calculations because of this fact. Whilst the race to net-zero is an absolute must, we are the only sector who can then create further value in sequestering carbon. It may be that the lack of input from Landscape professionals is because a lot of conversations around U-values and operation energy - to be honest - is quite complicated. However, we must be still in the room and have the knowledge to talk about these things as regulations will change and demands will soon be upon us.
Key Terms (continued)
Net Zero in Landscapes
To me, ‘Net zero’ is a little bit of a confusing term especially when referring to buildings as they don’t extract carbon from the atmosphere. So there is an insinuation that the carbon that IS emitted needs to be offset elsewhere (a controversial issue).
Other than storing carbon in the timber building materials, this would either be done by replacing a fossil-fuel-burning energy with a renewable one elsewhere, or planting lots of woodland. Both of which need to be done anyway…?
Therefore it’s equally as confusing how Landscape Architects are not in the conversation and how sequestering carbon is not more talked about on-site to reach this net-zero faster. But we have our own challenges..
Ultimately the aim is to have every industry not emitting fossil fuels into the atmospere and reusing / recycling as much as possible. (See - circular economy). Once we do that it’s only upwards from there in sequestering carbon and making places as amazing as possible.
Some LETI diagrams that are very useful:
The hardest task for Landscape Architects is going to be understanding the embodied carbon of our schemes. There is so little data on virtually every aspect of a landscape it is difficult to quantify the energy that goes into it. This will change and hopefully, this blog will provide some answers over time about current calculation methods.
The operational carbon of landscapes I hope is much easier to calculate. This would boil down to maintenance operations and energy sources of external equipment.
We’ll be going on a journey to learn more and share with you our findings. Please get in touch if you’d like to understand anything specific or have any comments (or disagree with what I’ve said!)