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Autodesk develops AI-powered embodied carbon tool for early-stage design

2024-04-03T11:39:00-04:00

Autodesk has developed an embodied carbon analysis tool to be integrated into the software maker’s AI-driven Forma application.

Powered by the C.Scale data model developed by U.S.-based architecture firm EHDD, the tool “enables designers to better understand the carbon impacts from primary material choices and building form during site feasibility and massing studies at the beginning of a project planning process,” Autodesk says.

Image credit: Autodesk

The tool allows architects working in Forma to subject their early design concept to an AI-powered analysis that can evaluate design concepts and iterate toward reducing carbon emissions.

Located in the ‘analysis’ tab in the Forma web application, the analysis allows users to define site-wide analytical properties as well as those specific to individual buildings. Parameters that can be specified include building function, structural system, and envelope factors such as cladding and window-to-wall ratio.

Image credit: Autodesk

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Thornton Tomasetti launches first-of-its-kind embodied carbon measurement tool

2020-01-08T20:16:00-05:00

After three years of intensive research and development, international engineering firm, Thonrton Tomasetti launches Beacon, a novel embodied carbon measurement tool that gives users the ability to make more informed decisions during the design process by measuring embodied carbon.

Beacon Revit Plug-in

The new tool works as a Revit plugin that generates comprehensive data visualization of a project's embodied carbon. The data is visually categorized by material type, building element, and floor levels, giving engineers tailored flexibility to address specific areas within a design project. "We decided to make Beacon an open-source and easy-to-use tool, so it can be shared at a global scale. We hope this unique and comprehensive tool will push the industry forward into developing innovative strategies that result in more sustainable and efficient structures," said Robert Otani, principal and chief technology officer at Thornton Tomasetti.

Skanska USA introduces new carbon footprint calculator

2019-10-07T11:11:00-04:00

Skanska USA has introduced a new open-source database tool, the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (“EC3”), which estimates and evaluates the carbon emissions contained within a variety of construction materials...The searchable database is based on environmental product declaration (EPD) data and has a list of more than 16,000 materials...categorized by performance requirements, design specification, project location, and global warming potential.

The new technology enables owners, contractors, and designers to calculate a project's carbon footprint, reports Construction Dive. Currently in pilot testing, the tool "has helped participating projects to achieve embodied carbon reductions of up to 30% with little to no cost impact.