Builders for Climate Action have found that embodied carbon accounted for an outsized portion of greenhouse gas emissions for new low-rise construction.
A new white paper from the group says that the carbon footprint can be significantly reduced by using conventional materials. The highest embodied carbon came from a building with high-Portland-cement concrete, and extruded polystyrene and spray-foam insulation. A typical model included concrete with some supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs), along with mineral wool insulation.
A lower-carbon alternative, called a “drawdown building” incorporated high-SCM concrete, and cellulose and wood fiber insulation. The carbon-storing model included:
· Insulated concrete forms with high-SCM concrete
· Expanded glass sub-grade insulation
· Straw and wood fiberboard insulation
· Wood cladding
· Compressed straw panel interior walls
· ReWall interior finishes
· Wood windows
· Linoleum and Forest Stewardship Council-certified softwood flooring
· Cedar shake roofing
An energy-efficient drawdown building located in Toronto and using renewable grid electricity would avoid 614 metric tons of carbon emissions over 30 years, according to the report. One caveat: Drawdown buildings rely heavily on wood products, and there are emerging questions about whether wood is universally a carbon-storing material.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2017
2017 National Energy Codes Conference includes code boot camp, PNC Tower tour
The DOE-sponsored event will be held in Pittsburgh July 17-20.
Codes and Standards | Apr 10, 2017
Congressional hearing on skills gap includes look at construction industry
Strategies to boost ranks of construction workers include mentoring programs, increased safety measures, trade group support, and outreach to school counselors.
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2017
Product-specific EPDs seen as key aid to earning green building credits
The product-specific EPDs allow designers to more quickly earn a LEED v4 credit in the Materials & Resources category.
Codes and Standards | Apr 5, 2017
Updated AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook released with significant enhancements
Updates provide guidance on how design and construction pros and emergency managers can work together to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Codes and Standards | Apr 4, 2017
Global standards for indoor environmental monitoring under development
Systems and sensors guidelines will be aligned with major green standards.
Codes and Standards | Apr 3, 2017
New standard test method for static loading and impact on exterior shading released
The method provides a standard lab procedure evaluation of ice and snow loads and impacts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 30, 2017
WELL enters strategic partnership with developer of standards and assessment tools
GIGA’s RESET standard and data collection will be integrated into the WELL standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2017
Climate-specific code changes target energy savings for tropical zones
Hawaii considers updated 2015 IECC tailored to its climate.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2017
Safety concerns over wood-frame construction raised after Raleigh apartment fire
The unfinished building was destroyed in a five-alarm blaze.
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2017
Bills in Maryland Legislature would restrict use of wood in multifamily construction
American Wood Council and design and construction professionals are speaking out against the measure.