It allows us to generate outputs about its performance under different conditions..
There is a perception across the construction industry that operational carbon is more significant than embodied carbon.Our results show that operational carbon is expected to account for around a third of whole life carbon over the next 60 years (decarbonisation of the electricity grid is not currently accounted for).
This operational carbon is based on NABERS Design for Performance modelling and is monitored during the building’s first year of occupation.. At two thirds of the whole life carbon of a building, embodied carbon is critical to address in the early design stages and provides the greatest opportunity for overall carbon impact reduction..Operational carbon vs embodied carbon.When considering how design choices impact embodied carbon, the data only supports the upfront carbon due to incomplete data for whole life carbon (WLC) for the BaU scheme (in 2018 the industry wasn’t regularly considering WLC calculations for projects)..
The key findings:.The substructure used 50% cement replacement, used recycled aggregates from the demolition on site and procured the concrete locally.
In addition, the basement volume was reduced which minimised the excavation and material usage resulting in a combined 46% improvement compared with the Business as Usual scheme..
The P-DfMA approach significantly reduced embodied carbon of the superstructure.Some processes may use hazardous material or be explosive, so a Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) assessment must be undertaken by the client with the lab designer involved, as it will affect the plant selection and design.. We must be aware of design elements which are assumed to be inherently safe.
A fume cupboard, for example, is only safe if it passes its face velocity tests, and that depends on the air velocity within the room.We ensure that these additional tests are specified to ensure compliance and avoid high velocity air supply grilles near fume cupboards, and we always design labs containing fume cupboards to BS 14175..
Architectural requirements for lab design.The laboratory design architect’s role does not end with laying out the laboratory equipment.