Choosing building materials wisely is critical for companies looking to build net-zero carbon offices, according to researchers at Canada’s Ryerson University.
In 2020, the extraction, transport, and manufacturing of building sector materials accounted for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the researchers say. “If buildings are to make meaningful contributions to keeping global temperature rise to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels, limiting emissions from building materials is crucial,” they say.
In recent years, designers and contractors have made great strides in energy efficiency, on-site heating and cooling, waste reduction, and recycling. Building materials present a newer opportunity for office projects to reduce their carbon footprint.
Construction of Walmart’s new home office in Bentonville, Ark., expected to be completed by 2025, offers an example of what can be accomplished using bio-based building materials. The retail giant’s corporate campus is the largest underway in the U.S. It will use mass timber including large engineered structural wooden panels.
In order to gain the most environmental benefit, materials must be sourced from sustainable supply chains. Building office towers with timber can be counterproductive if large amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted during logging, transport, and manufacture of wood products.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2017
Moody’s says cities may face credit downgrades if they don’t address climate risks
Credit ratings giant will ask what communities are doing to mitigate risk exposure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2017
Schools with optimal indoor environments boost student performance and energy efficiency
World Green Building Council report confirms that lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics impact learning.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2017
Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals
Pledge to push for more local authority to reduce emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2017
New report examines ongoing costs of green infrastructure options
The report compares solutions to reduce stormwater.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2017
Total cost of structural fires in U.S. reached $328.5 billion in 2014
Costs associated with losses was $55.4 billion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2017
Steel-timber composite system proposed for mid- and high-rise buildings
Structural steel columns and beams support a cross-laminated timber floor system.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2017
Many coastal states performing poorly to protect beaches, coastlines
The most vulnerable regions fare the worst in new study.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2017
2017 wildfires highlight gaps in California’s approach to fire safety in urbanized areas
Better hazard mapping and retrofit programs could help.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2017
Guide for understanding medical monitoring requirement of OSHA silica standard released
Center for Construction Research and Training gives advice on new regulation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2017
Trump tax proposal would kill historic tax credits
Developers would lose up to 20% discounts on some redevelopment projects.