Member Knowledge Centre
member Knowledge centre
The Knowledge Centre provides CHBA members with access to information and resources. It is a growing resource that is currently focused on updating members about national building code information. Please note that this information is a benefit of your membership, and should not be shared beyond your company/organization.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
September 23, 2025
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. These emissions come from different sources, including burning fossil fuels, such as those used for space heating and water heating in homes. A building s total GHG emissions can be understood by using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which examines every stage of its life: material extraction, construction, use, maintenance, and end-of-life shown on the whole-building carbon cycle illustration from left to right.
Need-to-Know Industry Terminology
- Operational GHG: Emissions from the day-to-day operation and upkeep of a building, including all energy, such as heating and cooling, and water use over its life.
- Embodied GHG: Emissions from material extraction, transportation, construction, demolishing or recycling the building. ( low-carbon materials = materials with low embodied GHG emissions)
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): Shows how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the air compared to carbon dioxide over a set time (Ex: GWP of methane is 28 while CO2 is 1).
- CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent): A way to measure all greenhouse gases, based on GWP, as if they were carbon dioxide. This is why carbon is used as synonym for GHG.
- Emission Factor: An average amount of pollution created (usually in grams of CO2e) per unit of energy produced (usually in kilo-Watt hour).
Why is it Important to Account for GHG Emissions?
Tracking greenhouse gas emissions in construction helps identify the biggest sources of pollution so we can reduce them effectively. By measuring both operational and embodied emissions, the industry can make better choices in design, materials, and energy use to build more sustainable homes and buildings.
How Can Emissions Be Reduced?
Emissions can be lowered by improving energy efficiency, using low emissions energy sources, and selecting low-carbon building materials. Designing buildings for reuse and recycling helps extend the life of materials and reduce waste.
Where can I find additional resources?
More information can be found in the NRC National Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment Practitioner's Guide.