CIBSE Launches New Guidance on Embodied Carbon in the Logistics Industry
Today, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is proud to announce the release of its latest comprehensive guidance, Embodied carbon in building services: logistics centres (TM65.3). This groundbreaking industry guidance, developed in collaboration with Introba and Amazon, aims to assist the logistics industry in assessing the embodied carbon of material handling equipment (MHE) and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment commonly used in logistics centres.
“This launch marks a significant milestone in understanding the embodied carbon implications of logistics buildings and underscores our commitment to sustainability within the built environment,” said CIBSE’s Technical Director, Dr. Anastasia Mylona. “By pooling our expertise with Amazon and Introba, we will empower stakeholders across the logistics sector with actionable insights to drive positive change.”
Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials and construction processes across different lifecycle stages. The guidance finds that MHE can represent an additional 17-53% of a typical logistics building’s embodied carbon. This highlights the importance of making informed decisions about the type of equipment used in warehouses, as well as the opportunity for equipment manufacturers to differentiate and lead by developing equipment with lower carbon footprints.
The guidance, based on the methodology outlined in Embodied carbon in building services: A calculation methodology (TM65), provides a robust framework for understanding and mitigating environmental impact. It will benefit a wide array of stakeholders, including logistics building owners, manufacturers, retailers, architects, engineers, policymakers, researchers, and students. By providing comprehensive insights into the embodied carbon impact of MHE and MEP strategies, the document empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions aligned with their organization’s sustainability goals.
Frank Lindner, Director of Operations Engineering EMEA at Amazon, commented, “Calculating and understanding embodied carbon is a challenge across many sectors, and we’re proud to have supported CIBSE in their efforts to create robust industry guidance that will help Amazon and all those in the industry better understand their footprints and make more informed design and buying decisions.”
Andy Stanton, Head of Sustainability for UK & Europe at Introba, added, “TM65.3 is our first step along the journey to quantifying the embodied carbon across various logistics building typologies, particularly material handling equipment. There is no sign of demand for goods and services decreasing any time soon, so the need to understand the embodied carbon of the fast-growing logistics sector is paramount.”
As the logistics industry continues to evolve, TM65.3 will serve as a dynamic resource, with information continually updated as more manufacturers disclose data and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) become more prevalent. This ongoing collaboration between CIBSE, Amazon, and Introba underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation within the logistics sector.
For more information on TM65.3, please visit CIBSE TM65.3 Embodied carbon in building services.
* Global Material Handling Equipment Markets Report 2023: Market to Reach $193 Billion by 2030 – 3PL, E-Commerce and F&B Manufacturing & Retail Driving Growth (yahoo.com)
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.