Embodied Carbon in Construction: What UK Builders Need to Know
Embodied carbon is the CO2 emitted producing, transporting and installing building materials. It now accounts for roughly 20% of UK built-environment emissions, and with UK CBAM pricing imported steel, cement and aluminium from 2027, it is becoming a direct cost line for contractors and developers.
~20%
of UK built-environment emissions are embodied carbon
60-80%
of a typical building's embodied carbon comes from concrete, steel and aluminium
2027
UK CBAM begins pricing imported steel, cement and aluminium
Materials ranked by carbon and CBAM exposure
Where the carbon sits in a typical build, and which materials will carry a border carbon price.
| Material | Global emissions share | UK CBAM | How to reduce it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cement & concrete | ~7-8% of global CO2 | Covered | Clinker production is the largest single source. Low-clinker blends (GGBS, fly ash) cut embodied carbon 30-60%. |
| Steel | ~7% of global CO2 | Covered | Blast-furnace steel is roughly 1.8-2.2 tCO2 per tonne. Electric-arc recycled steel can be under 0.5 t. |
| Aluminium | ~2% of global CO2 | Covered | Extremely electricity-intensive. Recycled aluminium uses about 5% of the energy of primary production. |
| Glass | <1% of global CO2 | Not yet covered | Float glass is energy-intensive, but glazing upgrades usually pay back their embodied carbon within a few years of heating savings. |
| Ceramics & tiles | <1% of global CO2 | Not yet covered | Kiln firing dominates. Locally sourced tiles and adhesives reduce transport emissions and supply-chain exposure. |
Four steps to lower embodied carbon and cost
A whole-life carbon assessment (RICS PS 2023) quantifies the embodied carbon of each element so you can compare options on evidence, not assumptions.
Concrete, steel and aluminium typically make up 60-80% of a building's embodied carbon. Small changes to these specifications deliver the largest savings.
Retaining an existing structure avoids the embodied carbon of demolition and new frame. Upgrading windows with secondary glazing rather than full replacement is a common example.
From 2027 UK CBAM will require embedded-emissions data on imported steel, cement and aluminium. Start requesting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) from suppliers now.
Working with contractors on low-carbon builds
Embodied carbon is decided at specification and procurement, so the contractors you work with matter. Ask general builders such as Vine Construction about low-clinker concrete, recycled-content steel and retaining existing structure. For finishes, specialists like London Tiler can advise on locally sourced tiles and low-VOC adhesives that cut transport emissions. Retrofitting existing windows with secondary glazing, rather than full replacement, is one of the lowest embodied-carbon ways to improve a building's thermal performance; see our building energy efficiency guide.
Model the carbon cost of your next project
Use our calculator to estimate how UK ETS and CBAM pricing could affect material costs.