Embodied Carbon

Embodied Carbon

What is Embodied Carbon?

Embodied carbon quantifies the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction, use and demolition of a building or infrastructure project, including all materials such as cables. It contributes to the carbon footprint of the entire structure and accounts for emissions throughout its lifecycle, including demolition and recycling.

Embodied carbon is assessed as “embodied carbon dioxide equivalent” (eCO₂e) or “global warming potential”, measured in kilograms of carbon dioxide (kg CO₂e). 

Embodied Carbon in Cables

For cables, embodied carbon includes all emissions associated with their manufacture, right up to the factory gate. This covers: 

  • Excavation, transportation, and processing of raw materials (e.g. copper, steel, XLPE) 
  • Manufacturing processes (e.g. insulation, armouring) 
  • Final testing and packaging 

It does not include emissions from the cable’s operation during its lifetime. The Prysmian embodied carbon data covers Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, limited to the manufacturing phase. 

Why Do I Need Embodied Carbon Data?

Construction clients increasingly require carbon footprint data for the full lifecycle of their projects to support net zero goals. Cables used in electrification and digital infrastructure play a key role in building efficiency. 

Engineers rely on embodied carbon data for all components, including cables to accurately calculate the building’s total carbon footprint. 

The Prysmian Solution for Embodied Carbon

Prysmian has delivered millions of metres of cable across thousands of types for over a century, covering energy, telecom and data systems. 

Our integrated systems approach combines engineering, purchasing, manufacturing and quality functions to determine the exact embodied carbon dioxide equivalent for each construction cable we produce. 

We publish carbon data in kg eCO₂e, based on ECOINVENT methodologies, covering Scope 1–3 (cradle to gate). This enables engineers to: 

  • Use Prysmian cables confidently in carbon footprint calculations 
  • Present data in client-ready formats 
  • Support the journey to net zero