A conceptual methodology for estimating stored sequestered carbon in the built environment

The role of carbon storage within timber in medium- to long-term applications is increasingly recognised. Timber within the built environment can be estimated or quantified and offers a useful testbed for developing understanding of time related effects of this storage function. This paper evaluates carbon flux relating to real recent housebuilding data, using a simple model of house types and construction methods. The same model is developed for projected future data. The pool of stored sequestered carbon within the housing stock is shown to be increasing, and therefore, quantification within national greenhouse gas reporting would be appropriate.