How KSS is Reducing Operational and Embodied Carbon

Construction is one of the largest economic drivers in the world; it is also one of the largest contributors to climate change. The architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) produces about 42 percent of global CO2 emissions annually, 27.3 percent of which comes from building operations (operational carbon) and 15 percent from the main four construction materials – cement, iron, steel, and aluminum (embodied carbon). As the effects of climate change worsen, the AEC industry has begun taking steps to reduce our impact, one strategy is decarbonization.

Much of the focus in previous years has been on how to reduce operational carbon emissions – the carbon dioxide released via the energy used during operations (i.e. heating, cooling, lighting). More recently, the conversation has shifted to embodied carbon – the carbon dioxide emissions created during construction that are associated with the mining, manufacturing, and transportation of materials, in addition to the construction process itself. Embodied carbon will be responsible for half of total new construction emissions between now and 2050; focusing reducing embodied carbon allows for immediate and substantial impact in reducing the total carbon emissions over the lifecycle of a building, also known as decarbonization.

Reducing carbon output is a matter of taking a “crawl, walk, or run”-based approach: meeting clients and partners where they are, and working within constraints to find carbon-smart, future-ready solutions. While the overall goal of decarbonization is to lower our industry’s carbon footprint, there are myriad reasons to employ green design & build strategies.

At KSS, we believe it is our responsibility to create architecture that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable to fulfill the needs and rights of this and all future generations. To do this, we are taking steps to reduce carbon emissions on our projects. Some steps we are taking include:

Reducing Operational Carbon

One such step KSS is familiar with is reducing the building’s operational carbon. Implementing energy-efficient systems, promoting renewable energy sources, and installing smart sensors to control lighting and HVAC systems are just a few ways to reduce the structure’s carbon footprint and get closer to net-zero emissions. One such project that is on track to achieve net-zero emissions is Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University.

Designed in collaboration with Ennead Architects, Design Architect, G&A, Exhibit Designer, and KSS as the Executive Architect for Edelman Fossil Park & Museum - the largest public net-zero emissions building in New Jersey and the largest building designed to Living Building Challenge sustainability framework in the state. Sustainable features include geothermal wells that provide ground-source heating and cooling, a photo-voltaic solar array, and renewable energy produced onsite to supply 100% of the energy used by the museum.

Reducing Embodied Carbon

There are many ways to reduce embodied carbon on a project – one such step is to use less carbon intensive materials, like mass timber over concrete or steel, reusing materials, and utilizing low carbon concrete. KSS Architects partnered with Lake|Flato on Amy Gutmann Hall, which will be the first mass timber project for Penn Engineering and will be the first six-story mass timber project in the City of Philadelphia. Employing wood, a renewable resource, for the structural frame reduces the building’s carbon footprint by 52% relative to concrete and 41% relative to steel.

A rising approach that reduces embodied carbon is reusing existing structures – also known as adaptive reuse. Taking the already existing structure and updating it to fit the current needs saves between 50-75% of embodied carbon compared to new construction and also breathes new life into historic structures while maintaining community character.

KSS Architects facilitated the historic revitalization of KIPP Whittier, a middle school renovation and addition. Originally constructed in 1913, the building sat empty for a decade before being renovated. The original, historic structure was preserved, along with the existing flooring and wall coverings. The interior was renovated to accommodate the needs of evolving learning styles. The only new structure on the site is the elevator addition, which forms a monolithic wing wall with modern glazing. The addition acts as glowing beacon yet avoids detracting from the existing building’s historic context.

Preparing for Evolving Sustainability Goals

Sustainable practices continue to influence how communities are built. Viewed as long-term assets, sustainably constructed buildings stand out in the marketplace. These high-performance, integrated structures can not only provide environmental sustainability but also financial sustainability. One such standout is the redevelopment of Belmont Park, which will create an internationally recognized retail destination designed to stringent sustainability goals.

As Value Retail’s first American experiential, high-end destination, this retail village is pursuing LEED Gold, in addition to seeking a first-of-its-kind rating of BREEAM Outstanding for retail construction, and is aiming to meet carbon reduction commitments through 2050 via CRREM and GRESB, two European standards. Working together as Design Architect and Architect of Record, respectively, JRDV and KSS implemented an internal team structure to harness team knowledge and provide realistic, innovative, and cost-conscious solutions that successfully translated the design intent into a beautifully imagined and highly sustainable retail experience.