Embodied Carbon in Iranian Construction

Talk of green building in Iran usually stops at energy use. Yet much of a building’s carbon footprint is locked in before occupation, in making its materials.

Cement and steel

The concrete buildings common in Iranian cities often use more cement than the structure needs. Optimised mix designs, natural pozzolans and thinner slabs can make a marked difference.

On the Vanak office tower, a structural review cut steel use by around fifteen per cent.

Practical steps

• Estimate embodied carbon at schematic design
• Prioritise local materials
• Design for disassembly and reuse

Reducing embodied carbon does not need sophisticated tools; above all it depends on care in early decisions.