Use Phase Emissions (B1)

How to fill in the Emissions and Removals query

This query is used to account for any emissions and removals (use-phase emissions, life-cycle stage B1) you would like to account for during the use phase of your building. You can include:

• Refrigerants used + leakage rates
• Carbonisation of cementitious materials
• Vegetation and landscaping scenarios

1. Refrigerants

Refrigerants are liquid substances used in various MEP equipment which are primarily used to cool spaces. One type of equipment which uses refrigerants is air conditioning. 

How to account for refrigerants?

In this section, you can account for any refrigerant leakages during the use phase of your building. Use the dropdown box to select the refrigerant, then click on it to enter it into the query.

You will then need to add the quantity of the refrigerant and adjust the annual leakage rate and end of life leakage rate as necessary. These emissions will be attributed to the B1 life cycle stage. 

• If you are looking for climate friendly alternatives to HFCs we recommend to check the official website of the European Union for suitable alternatives: Climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs (europa.eu)

2. Carbonisation

Cementitious materials, such as concrete, cement and mortar, absorb carbon dioxide when exposed to air. This process is the chemical reversal of the cement production process calcination phase. The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed depends on exposure of the material, the duration of the exposure and the initial amount of cement included. 

How to account for carbonisation?

In this section, you can account for the carbonisation of cementitious materials in your project. You can use the dropdown box to select a scenario for carbonisation depending on how many years your project is, then fill in the total volume of concrete. Carbonisation is also attributed to the B1 life cycle stage. 

3. Vegetation Carbon Withdrawals

Vegetation (e.g. trees) carbon withdrawals can be calculated by including the quantities for vegetation and landscaping during the project's lifetime. 

How to account for vegetation carbon withdrawals?

In this section, you can account for any trees on your project in order to calculate carbon withdrawals from them. Use the dropdown box to select any trees you plan to use in the project and then specify how many units you will have of each type. The results of carbon withdrawals will be accounted for in the biogenic carbon storage section of your results page.