The threat of embodied carbon in the building sector. What is guiding the solution?

Sammanfattning: Embodied carbon in the building sector is an emerging area for decarbonisation efforts due to its large contribution to carbon emissions and ability to support carbon neutrality targets. This thesis aims to understand the roots of current embodied decarbonisation strategy recommendations, by exploring how embodied carbon reduction strategies are in line with the philosophy of ecomodernism. A thematic content analysis was conducted on embodied carbon strategy documents from global organisations. The findings suggest that embodied carbon reduction strategies highly align with ecomodernism principles through their use of technology, efficiency, economic growth, and state support. However, while aligning with this theory strategies neglect to consider their unintended consequences that can cause global inequalities and ineffective growth. The philosophy of ecomodernism suggests that current research neglects the main action triggers of financial and state support. For a livable future, the theory suggests efforts must wholistically implement the recommended strategies according to ecomodernism.