Carbon is the new critical spec: Why it belongs on your product sheet

Australia’s building industry is under growing pressure to reduce emissions, and embodied carbon is now in the spotlight. With construction responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, and most of that locked in before a building is even used, manufacturers play a pivotal role in the solution.

What is embodied carbon?

Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released across a product’s entire lifecycle—from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transport, installation, and disposal. Unlike operational emissions, embodied carbon is immediate and irreversible. It’s built in from day one.

Why carbon must be on the spec sheet?

Traditionally, spec sheets have focused on attributes like strength, fire resistance, thermal performance, and compliance with Australian Standards. But today, carbon performance is becoming just as critical.

Architects, engineers, developers, and governments are demanding carbon data to meet sustainability goals and certification requirements. Tools like Green Star and NABERS Embodied Carbon are setting the procurement baselines across commercial and infrastructure projects—making carbon disclosure a non-negotiable for tenders.

Tools for carbon disclosure: PCFs vs EPDs

Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are key tools in disclosing a product’s embodied carbon. Both are verified lifecycle assessments, but EPDs cover multiple criteria and can be costly and time-consuming. PCFs focus on carbon only and provide a quicker, more accessible way to measure a product’s greenhouse gas emissions.

For manufacturers looking to provide verified carbon data without the full commitment of an EPD, PCFs offer a streamlined option that can be confidently added to spec sheets and tender submissions.

Practical pathways to carbon transparency

As carbon disclosure becomes increasingly important, there are ways to make it a manageable part of your process:

• Measure your impact: Start with a PCF, which can be aligned with ISO 14040, ISO 14044 and 14067 standard
• Identify carbon hotspots: Focus on key areas such as raw materials, energy inputs, transport, and production processes. Identifying these hotspots is essential for finding where emissions can be reduced.
• Be transparent: Add verified carbon data to your datasheets, brochures, and technical specifications. This is now becoming a standard expectation from specifiers and clients.
• Improve continuously: Use the data and planning tools in your Rebuilt account to trackand reduce emissions over time. Track your progress and adapt your processes to meet evolving carbon reduction goals.

Why carbon data is key to a competitive edge

Disclosing and reducing your product’s carbon footprint isn’t just beneficial for the environment—it also has clear business advantages. Verified carbon data can help:

• Win work on Green Star and NABERS projects: These systems are increasingly used for commercial and infrastructure projects, where carbon performance is a critical factor.
• Meet client and regulatory expectations: As carbon regulation grows, being proactive will help future-proof your product line.
• Identify innovation opportunities: Data-driven decisions can lead to the identification of more sustainable materials, production methods, and business strategies.
• Stay ahead of evolving standards: As sustainability standards change, early adoption of carbon disclosure can position your product ahead of the curve.

What you can do now

• Start measuring: Begin with Rebuilt’s verified PCFs to understand your product’s carbon footprint.
• Assess opportunities: Use your data to identify areas for improvement and set reduction targets.
• Enhance transparency: Start adding carbon data to your product specifications, ensuring transparency for future projects.
• Track progress: Continuously monitor your emissions and work toward improvement, reflecting your commitment to sustainability.

By incorporating carbon data into your product specification sheet, you’re not just complying with industry trends—you’re actively contributing to the low-carbon future of construction. It’s no longer optional; it’s an essential part of modern building practices.