Embodied Carbon and Architecture: Upcoming Legislative Potential
Legislative and regulatory changes in Washington are poised to change the way we think about building materials and embodied carbon.
This conversation will focus on embodied carbon and its shifting relationship to architecture. In Washington State, the upcoming legislative agenda is beginning to identify ways in which we might start to regulate embodied carbon in building materials. In addition, new Heavy Timber code allowances are coming, allowing for increased sequestration capacity. As these conversations become more common, architects are becoming more involved, pressing for responsible changes while ensuring achievable targets are set.
UW’s Kate Simonen will present her team’s research on Washington’s proposed Buy Clean Act, which which considers setting embodied energy caps on building materials purchased in Washington. Similar measures may be in our state’s future for all building materials. A panel discussion will follow initial presentations to discuss the impact some of these changes may have on the building industry.
Speakers:
- Kathrina Simonen (Kate), Associate Professor, University of Washington
- Kjell Anderson, Director of Sustainable Design, LMN Architects
- David Walsh, Director of Sustainability and Design Integration, Sellen Construction
