Course Description

Introduction to Building Decarbonization demystifies the primary sources of carbon emissions in buildings and explains the key drivers for decarbonization. The course focuses on the framework of decarbonization—including key definitions and distinct scopes that drive sustainable practices. Learn about ASHRAE's role in disseminating vital decarbonization insights, emphasizing the urgency of combatting climate change, and pinpointing any given building’s substantial contribution to energy-related carbon emissions.

The course explores the complexities of building carbon emissions, including on-site combustion, construction-related sources, and refrigerant leakage. Other covered topics include the principles of building decarbonization, harmonizing occupant well-being, environmental stewardship, and the nature of direct and indirect emissions. The course concludes on the topic of sustainable building innovation—setting a foundation of best practices for a decarbonizing HVAC&R industry. 

Learning Objective:

• Identify primary sources for carbon emissions in buildings.
• Understand the need and rationale behind decarbonizing the built environment.
• Cite primary available carbon accounting options.
• Understand basic offset strategies.
• Be familiar with electrification options and strategies.