CO2 reporting with building models
Bimpact is a carbon calculation tool that NewArmstrong uses to help customers measure and improve their impact on society and the environment. By reporting on CO2 and calculating CO2 emissions from construction methods, we help reduce CO2 emissions from buildings. This can be done, for example, with an MPG calculation.
An MPG calculation is a way to measure the environmental performance of a building. It indicates how much environmental impact the materials and facilities in a building cause over its lifetime. The lower the MPG, the more sustainable the building. The MPG is mandatory for new construction homes and office buildings larger than 100 m²1. The maximum limit for the MPG is 0.8 for homes and 1.0 for offices.
CO2 calculations and ParisProof reporting
With BIMpact, the CO2 load of materials and building components can be linked to the design model or building information model. Here the CO2 certificates are used from a central database filled by the products and suppliers (via National Environmental Database, NMD). Thus, based on existing or new building models, the CO2 load for new construction or remodeling can be calculated. From our design software, this allows us to report ParisProof.
Design strategies for CO2 reduction
With certain strategies, we strengthen the sustainability of projects:
- Designing for renewability: making designs so that they can be adapted and renewed.
- Using biobased materials: for example, planters or furniture made from recycled PET bottles.
- Using secondary raw materials: reusing concrete for new foundations or jeans for insulation material
- Design with maintenance/management in mind, e.g., overhangs to reduce window frame maintenance.
- Design with the premise of being able to take it apart again: design for disassembly
- Adaptive design, future-oriented, e.g. focusing on flexible use.
- Rethink and re-use: for example, reuse corrugated roofs for interior finishing:
CO2 reduction
Here are a few more ways NewArmstrong with calculation tools help reduce the carbon footprint of building models.
- Energy efficiency: identifying ways to improve building energy efficiency can be done with tools that work as PlugIn in our design software. This can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling, and by improving building insulation. We have
- Renewable energy: a CO2 calculation can also help identify ways to use renewable energy sources to reduce building CO2 emissions. This can be achieved by installing solar panels, wind turbines or other forms of renewable energy.
- Materials use: a carbon calculation can help companies identify ways to use sustainable materials in building construction. This can be achieved by using recycled materials, materials with a low carbon footprint and materials that can be easily recycled.
- Transportation: a carbon calculation can help companies identify ways to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. This can be achieved through the use of electric vehicles, bicycles or public transportation.
- Waste management: calculating carbon emissions can also help identify ways to reduce the amount of waste produced by buildings. This can be achieved through the use of recycling programs and by reducing the amount of waste produced by the building.
By using these design strategies and a tool like BIMpact, NewArmstrong can help clients reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Do you have more questions about CO2 calculations? If so, please contact Justus Slaakweg or Sietse Makelaar.
