Going Beyond Core & Shell: How Interior Design Contributes to Carbon Footprints
The conversation around carbon-neutral building practices often centres on the carbon footprint of the Core & Shell which is the structural framework and envelope of a building. Yet, a significant and frequently underestimated contributor to carbon emissions lies within the office interiors, where repeated renovations can result in emissions that far exceed those of the Core & Shell over time.
Why Embodied Carbon in Interior Matters
Calculating the embodied carbon of Core & Shell involves a limited set of materials such as concrete, steel, glass and aluminium. However, the embodied carbon of interiors can be
equal to or even exceed that of the core and shell, given the complexity of materials and finishes.
In contrast, office interiors are far more complex. They require an extensive range of
materials, often ten to twenty times more than the Core & Shell, making their carbon footprint significantly larger.
While renovations are necessary over time, the cumulative embodied carbon from multiple renovations over 50-60 years can surpass the emissions from the Core & Shell, highlighting the long-term impact of interior modifications.
This is where the CG Platform offers a game-changing solution.
CG platform is designed to help projects collect and organise the embodied as well as operational carbon data in existing and new offices which will help offices set benchmarks and targets to become truly carbon neutral.
With our platform companies can measure, monitor and reduce both embodied and operational carbon emissions. Whether you’re working on new office developments or retrofitting existing spaces, the platform simplifies carbon measurement and helps accelerate your journey towards carbon neutrality.