Presentation Description:

This session explores whole life carbon through a systems-thinking lens, moving from ecosystem-level to building lifecycle phases. Attendees will learn about gaps in current lifecycle assessment (LCA) frameworks and the challenges of capturing full carbon impacts, particularly for MEP systems. The session highlights key emission categories and strategies to integrate operational, refrigerant, and embodied emissions into a comprehensive whole life carbon approach.

Presenter Bio:

Rachel is a mechanical engineer at PAE with over a decade of experience in the design and analysis of high-performance buildings and a leading voice on MEP embodied carbon and emissions. She is passionate about advancing strategies that address the often-overlooked climate impacts of building systems, from embodied carbon in materials to refrigerant leakage in HVAC. Her expertise spans educational, commercial, multifamily, and historic projects, where she has specialized in passive design strategies, Net-Zero Energy, Living Buildings, and healthy materials.