Next Steps

While we always want to have a base calculator that is just as easy to use as the one you see today, there is a lot we'd like to include in future versions. Some if it will be estimated from available sources and publications, other information will need additional quantitative investigation. Let us know of any additional items you feel could be included.

  1. More recommendations for how to reduce your embodied carbon.
  2. Recommendations for renewal - materials choices, planting choices, etc.
  3. Alternate calculator allowing more precise information for projects that have that information available.
  4. Above ground carbon density at maturity for all landscaping types.
  5. Annual carbon sequestration rates above and below ground for all landscaping types.
  6. Embodied carbon for landscape installation for all types (the carbon released in the process of planting and restoration).
  7. Landscape maintenance carbon quantities to account for the energy required to maintain a healthy landscape (machines, fertilizers, etc.)
  8. Soil characteristics and soil types that impact the landscape carbon capacity.
  9. Landscape sequestration of carbon rate and density correction for soil type and resources.
  10. Landscape sequestration of carbon rate and density related to water nutrient input.
  11. Landscape carbon density and rates for conventional urban landscape types.
  12. Calculator choices for building materials and variations that will help reduce your carbon footprint.
  13. Calculator choices for building service systems and variations that will help reduce your carbon footprint.
  14. Operational carbon calculator with local variants based on electrical generation sources, and corresponding sequestration calculator for growth of landscaping.
  15. Calculator choices for building tenant improvement (what you are constructing inside your building).
  16. Calculator choices for furniture and interiors (carpets, lighting, tables, chairs, etc.)
  17. Increased accuracy in carbon per square foot building models based on availability of building quantity estimates, and extended life cycle analysis.
  18. Option for saving model and calculation for comparison with future input, for projects that would like to estimate at multiple project phases and as projects change and develop.
  19. A specification format that allows you to choose your offset preferences, and include them in a bid package to competitively bid the offsets for your project.
If you have some good ideas for improvements, we'd like to hear about it!

See also: List of References

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