EXTERNAL ENVELOPE 61 The embodiment of quality?


Reyan Clarey of CA Group discusses the challenge facing the industry of balancing embodied carbon targets against design quality in the race to net zero.


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ecision makers are looking for a simple metric by which to measure products’ sustainability


credentials. ‘Embodied carbon’ of new construction materials and products is now under scrutiny, with the perception that components manufactured with lower embodied carbon being automatically more sustainable. Yet a better understanding of the picture is essential when identifying and specifying products.


‘Net zero’ continues to be the buzz word throughout the industry, and Scope 3 Emissions offers many challenges to achieving sustainability goals. The rise in EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) steel is an


ADF SEPTEMBER 2025


essential evolution for metal cladding solutions, and has seen a slight increase in the availability of construction products with lower embodied carbon content at the ‘Module A’ product stage. However, availability remains limited, and the benefi t should not mask environmental concerns that construction products may be exposed to later down the line. We are fi nding that many designers and Principal Contractors are requesting signifi cant improvements and reductions be made towards achieving net zero, including striving for lower embodied carbon products. The risk of this leading to a compromise on quality, guarantees,


The risk of a compromise on quality, guarantees, standards or specifi cation is real if these aspects are not also prioritised


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