Minimize Embodied Carbon in New Construction

Insert MCAN’s model language into a municipal request for proposal for architectural and engineering services.

Summary:

During the summer of 2025, in consultation with leading experts, MCAN developed model RFP language for minimizing embodied carbon in new construction. Any municipality can now insert it into a request for proposal (RFP) for architectural and engineering services. 

Indicate interest in applying this model language to an upcoming project in your community by clicking above, and MCAN will follow up.

Upfront embodied carbon will account for half of the carbon footprint resulting from new construction globally over the next 25 years (World Green Building Council). To help protect our remaining carbon budget, every building we construct must minimize both operational and embodied carbon.

The language is designed for direct incorporation into an RFP, and does not require the user to be an embodied carbon expert. This project is especially valuable in the early planning/pre-design phases for new municipal buildings such as schools, libraries, public safety, public works, etc.