How C.Scale Works

Welcome to C.Scale!

C.Scale is a whole life carbon calculation engine estimating emissions from building construction, renovation, and operation. C.Scale delivers carbon clarity from concept to construction—supporting design teams from early massing studies through detailed modeling and product selection.

C.Scale is designed for use across the full project lifecycle: site and feasibility studies, requests for proposals, schematic and design development, construction documentation, retrospective analysis, and portfolio planning.

The model supports carbon assessment at multiple levels of detail—from a minimum of project parameters at early stages through detailed structural, enclosure, and interior modeling as the design develops. It is the calculation engine behind numerous web applications and research efforts focused on both forward-looking planning and retrospective analysis of carbon emissions from buildings and the built environment.

We ship features continuously, and have an exciting roadmap for the year ahead. Features are developed in response to user feedback, to incorporate improved data, and to refine the tool's methodology. Something you'd like to see? Reach out.

C.Scale calculates whole life carbon emissions

C.Scale integrates embodied, operational, and landscape carbon emission assessment into a single model. By taking a 'whole carbon' view, C.Scale prevents burden shifting and ensures that a project team has the information necessary to target the most impactful carbon reductions.

C.Scale uses GWP-100 characterization factors.

C.Scale is a time series model

In the built environment, it is essential to understand the time value of carbon. To this end, C.Scale uses time series data to analyze carbon emissions across a building's life. For each year in the analysis period (defined by the project's time horizon), C.Scale estimates all emissions occurring in that year.

In the first year, the following emissions are always calculated:

• Embodied emissions in construction materials (life cycle stages A1-A3)

• Construction site emissions (life cycle stages A4-A5)

• Storage of biogenic carbon in timber structural components (life cycle stage D)

In each year, the following emissions are always calculated:

• Operational carbon emissions from onsite fossil fuel use (life cycle stage B6)

• Operational carbon emissions from onsite electricity use (life cycle stage B6)

• Emissions from landscape maintenance, when applicable (life cycle stage B2)

In only some years, the following emissions are always calculated:

• Replacement and refurbishment of hardscape (life cycle stages B3-B5)

• Replacement and refurbishment of the building envelope (life cycle stages B3-B5)

• Replacement and refurbishment of interior fit-out (life cycle stages B3-B5)

• Replacement and refurbishment of MEP and PV systems (life cycle stages B3-B5)

Building Geometry in C.Scale

C.Scale's calculations are based on area and material takeoffs from simple building geometry. A diagram of this building's geometry is provided below.

C.Scale is customizable and extensible

C.Scale is built as a series of modules, each connected to the others and tasked with a specific set of calculations. These modules are added or expanded in response to the requests of users.

The C.Scale model's assumptions and background data can be overridden or refined through additional inputs. This allows for the addition of project-specific data where it is available while maintaining the C.Scale model for calculating all other parts of the project's carbon footprint. For more information, get in touch.