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 | May 16, 2017
Trump’s proposed corporate tax rate changes said to stifle funding for affordable housing
Banks reluctant to commit to specific deals with tax credit status uncertain.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2017
New IoT-Ready Alliance to establish standard for IoT sensors in LED light fixtures
It aims to make installation of technology easier.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2017
OSHA increases penalties on South Dakota contractor after fatal building collapse
Agency issues over $300,000 in fines for ‘willful’ safety violations.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Potential shade on Boston Common from proposed high-rise raises public ire
The Mayor is among those who want to change 1990s anti-shadow law.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Method of estimating amount of CO2 by building occupants may be inaccurate
New research suggests current estimates may be off by as much as 25%.
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2017
National Fenestration Rating Council’s new U-factor standard open for public comment
Member-approved ballot change to NFRC 100 comments to close on May 28.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2017
Millennials’ views on sustainability could influence the workplace
Nine out of ten say it is important that they work for a company committed to sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2017
New York State extends design-build authority
The legislation includes eight additional projects.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2017
U.S. announces preliminary tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber
The rates range from 3% to 24% per producer.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2017
New York man alleged to have posed as licensed architect faces possible prison time
He is charged with defrauding construction companies, business owners, and local governments.