The construction industry plays a major role in global climate change, accounting for nearly 40% of yearly carbon emissions. These emissions stem from both embodied and operational sources. The most familiar source is the carbon emissions generated from the operation and use of a building throughout its lifespan. Embodied carbon, on the other hand, refers to CO2 emissions produced during the manufacturing, transporting, and installing of building materials — the carbon footprint of a construction project before it becomes operational. Reducing embodied carbon during the manufacturing and early construction stages of a project is crucial for mitigating its overall impact.

In the past few months, the U.S. Federal government has ramped up efforts to promote decarbonization in construction through various zero-carbon initiatives and climate standards, such as the Investing in America Agenda, the national definition of zero emissions buildings, and new emission standards to eliminate onsite fossil fuel usage in federal buildings by 2030. 

This strategic partnership will enable USGBC members to leverage these federal programs by offering educational resources and discounted access to life-cycle assessment software tools.

"We are excited to partner with USGBC to offer their members discounted access to our software and to promote the adoption of sustainable practices in the construction industry," says Simon Slater, North American Business Development Manager, One Click LCA. "This collaboration will help us reach a wider audience and support more professionals in their efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects." 

 “Our new partnership with One Click LCA will greatly benefit our members by offering tools and resources that empower projects with the knowledge and skills to create more sustainable buildings and communities,” says Rhiannon Jacobsen, Managing Director, U.S. Market Transformation and Development, USGBC.  “Our members are essential to our success, and we take pride in collaborating with organizations like One Click LCA, which share our commitment to transforming the built environment for the betterment of human and environmental well-being.” 

The benefits of the partnership include:

• A joint commitment to sustainability
   This partnership underscores the commitment of both One Click LCA and USGBC to advancing sustainability in the built environment. By making life-cycle assessment tools more accessible, USGBC and One Click LCA aim to foster greater industry engagement and drive meaningful progress toward decarbonization. 
• Discounted software access for USGBC members
   Through this partnership, USGBC members will receive exclusive discounts on One Click LCA software. This initiative is designed to make life-cycle assessment tools more accessible, enabling members to integrate sustainable practices into their projects more effectively. 
• Enhanced educational opportunities for USGBC members
   The partnership will focus on creating comprehensive educational programs. These initiatives will equip USGBC members with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement life-cycle assessments and sustainable practices in their projects. The educational opportunities will include webinars, workshops, and training sessions led by experts in the field. One Click LCA offers hours of on-demand courses and live bootcamps that provide professionals with in-depth knowledge of life-cycle assessment practices and a deep understanding of how to leverage the software to significantly reduce their carbon footprint. 
• Promoting decarbonization through outreach
   One Click LCA and USGBC will work together to enhance outreach efforts within the construction industry. By leveraging their combined networks and resources, they plan to raise awareness about the importance of decarbonization and the role of life-cycle assessment in achieving this goal. The partnership will also promote the sharing of best practices and success stories to inspire others in the industry to take similar actions.