Carbon Leadership Forum: From college-hosted organization to 501(c)3

Sources: Carbon Leadership Forum, Oakland, Calif.; CP staff

One of the charter concrete life cycle assessment and carbon dioxide emissions accounting method catalysts is pursuing 501(c)3 status as it transitions to an independent, California-based organization following 14 years under the University of Washington College of Built Environments. The moves positions the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) “to double down on urgent research, education, and cross-sector collaboration that drives the data, tools, and policy changes needed to eliminate embodied carbon from buildings and infrastructure.”

CLF Founder and UW Professor of Architecture Kate Simonen will chair the organization while maintaining a new College of Built Environments research group, Life Cycle Lab, leading embodied carbon and life cycle assessment research that informs policy and practice. The Life Cycle Lab will support the next generation of researchers; build the embodied carbon knowledge base with an increased focus on academic publications; and, remain a strong, collaborative CLF partner. Leading day to day Forum activities will be Executive Director Anthony Hickling and Program Director Meghan Lewis.

Along with the organizational shift and Life Cycle Lab formation announcement, CLF notes, “We believe both organizations will allow us to capitalize on unprecedented, time-sensitive opportunities to support the speed of decarbonization required to meet global climate goals. We look forward to working with our many partners in this new capacity to achieve our vision of a transformed, decarbonized building industry—creating better buildings for a better planet.”