Embodied Carbon Calculator Suite

Comprehensive tools for calculating embodied carbon in building construction

Database v2.0 Enhanced • 149 Materials • Lifecycle Analysis

149
Materials in Database
12
Material Categories
48
Full Lifecycle Data
7
Carbon Calculators

About the Enhanced Database v2.0

The Embodied Carbon Calculator Suite has been upgraded with a comprehensive materials database featuring lifecycle carbon data, biogenic carbon accounting, and manufacturer-specific EPDs.

📋 Comprehensive Data

149 materials across 12 categories with verified carbon factors from ICE v3.0, EPDs, and manufacturer data. Includes structural systems, cladding, insulation, finishes, and more.

🌱 Lifecycle Stages

Advanced materials include full lifecycle data (A1-A5, C, D stages) enabling whole-life carbon assessments beyond cradle-to-gate calculations.

🌳 Biogenic Carbon

Timber products include biogenic carbon sequestration values, showing the carbon storage benefits of wood-based materials in construction.

🔗 EPD Integration

45+ materials linked to verified Environmental Product Declarations from manufacturers including Kingspan, Rockwool, British Gypsum, and more.

Database Features

  • Typical Fields: Essential data for quick calculations (carbon, density, source)
  • Advanced Fields: Detailed lifecycle data, EPD links, biogenic carbon, manufacturer info
  • Support Systems: Specialized calculators for brackets, framing, and floor systems
  • Data Sources: ICE v3.0, WTA Materials List, manufacturer EPDs, academic research
  • Quality Indicators: Confidence levels and verification dates for all researched values
  • Backward Compatible: v1.0 database preserved for legacy applications

New Calculators

Three new specialized calculators have been added to handle support systems and secondary structure:

Cladding Support Systems

Automatically calculates steel weight for brackets and rails based on cladding weight and configuration. Handles light to heavy cladding with appropriate support spacing.

Metsec Framing

Database of standard Metsec sections (C-sections, tracks, purlins, joists) with simple area-based calculation or detailed takeoff mode.

Raised Access Floors

Calculates panels and pedestals with height adjustment factors. Includes Kingspan EPD-certified products and alternative materials.

Data Completion Summary

Missing data has been researched and filled from reliable sources:

  • 20 materials had missing carbon factors or densities
  • 15 materials completed from ICE v3.0 database
  • 3 materials from manufacturer EPDs (Velfac, Clayworks)
  • 2 materials from academic research (rammed earth, natural stone)
  • 12 high-confidence values, 5 medium, 1 low (requires verification)

Documentation

Comprehensive documentation has been created:

  • MATERIALS-DATABASE-ANALYSIS.md: Full analysis of WTA materials and enhancement strategy
  • data-supplement-researched.json: All researched values with sources and confidence levels
  • materials-database-v2.json: Enhanced database (115KB, 149 materials)
  • materials-database-v1-backup.json: Original v1.0 database preserved
  • scripts/merge-databases.py: Python script for database merging