Project specific impacts are increasingly relevant as we look further into our activities

Project Carbon Footprint Case Study: Headbourne Worthy Grange Embodied Carbon Assessment

Project Overview: Headbourne Worthy Grange (HWG) is a private residential property that underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2020, following the specifications of Studio Hooton and their client. The project encompassed an approximate gross internal area of 550 square meters and involved significant landscaping, construction, and fit-out activities. Studio Hooton collaborated with various specialist contractors to oversee and manage the renovation, with a keen focus on sustainability.

Scope of Carbon Footprint Assessment: The carbon footprint report for this project specifically concentrated on assessing the embodied carbon within the materials specified by Studio Hooton. This approach aligns with traditional building life cycle assessments (LCA) but narrows the scope to materials influenced and controlled by Studio Hooton, facilitating a detailed analysis of their choices and environmental impact.

Methodology: Blue Marble undertook the task of modeling the carbon footprint of over 360 items and materials designated by Studio Hooton for HWG. This involved collecting data on the raw materials used, such as hardwood, marble, and zinc, and calculating their respective weights within the finished items. SimaPro v9 and a bespoke carbon calculator tool were employed for the analysis, drawing data from various sources including EcoInvent v3.8, USLCI, and Environmental Performance Declarations (EPDs). Primary data on weights, quantities, and materials were sourced from Studio Hooton’s Bill of Materials (“Esti”) and schedules.

Key Findings:

1. Total Carbon Impact: The Project’s total carbon impact was calculated at 37.3 tonnes of CO₂e.
2. Carbon Impact per Square Meter: On a per-square-meter basis, the carbon impact for the Project was 67.8 kg of CO₂e.
3. Priority Areas for Improvement: To enhance environmental performance, Studio Hooton should prioritize the selection of materials in the following order:

3. Joinery
4. Furniture / Objects
5. Tiles
6. Decorative elements (Paint & Wallpaper)

4. Options for Carbon Reduction: Strategies to reduce carbon emissions in product stages include increasing recycled content, specifying inherently eco-friendly materials, using reclaimed or reused materials, and incorporating Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) data in decision-making.
5. Future Analysis: Further analysis could be conducted to assess the environmental performance of specific materials through comparative Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) when considering interior design choices.

Conclusion: The carbon footprint assessment of the Headbourne Worthy Grange renovation offers valuable insights for Studio Hooton. It not only allows for informed decisions regarding environmentally friendly products and solutions in future projects but also provides a credible baseline for estimating embodied carbon footprints for similar renovation projects based on their square footage. This approach aligns with a growing emphasis on sustainability within the construction and interior design industry, enabling Studio Hooton to contribute to a more environmentally responsible future in their field.