I am writing to advocate that embodied emissions are
recategorized from an area for future consideration to an area for
present action.
Reductions in energy-related emissions are crucial for
addressing climate change and meeting time-based targets. In the
medium to long term, reducing energy-related emissions is
important. In the short term, however, it is essential that
embodied emissions are minimized.
Technologies and practices exist today to reduce embodied
emissions. Many of these are cost-neutral, and many more can
actually be cost-saving.
Other states are pioneering "buy clean" programs to incentivize
or require the use of low embodied carbon materials. Some
municipalities are requiring buildings to meet embodied emissions
caps. This is an opportunity for California to lead in defining how
these practices develop nationally.
Reducing embodied carbon today is technically possible,
financially feasible, and essential to avoiding the worst of
climate change. I recommend that embodied carbon reductions are
integrated into the scope of CARB's present consideration.
Thank you,