Two new reports offer guidance on selecting environmentally friendly and healthy building materials in three product categories: gypsum drywall, flooring, and insulation.
“Embodied Carbon and Material Health in Insulation” and “Embodied Carbon and Material Health in Gypsum Drywall and Flooring,” by architecture and design firm Perkins&Will in partnership with the Healthy Building Network, advise on how to select the best low-carbon products with the least impact on human health.
“Given the sheer volume of these product categories sold each year—which can collectively cover the entire state of Rhode Island and then some—even small reductions in their carbon footprint and improvements in material health would significantly contribute to creating a healthier, more sustainable built environment,” according to a news release. In the U.S., annual sales of gypsum board totals nearly 24 billion square feet. Flooring materials amount to 29.69 billion square feet, and insulation totals about 11.5 billion square feet.
The report’s findings include:
• Products that improve material health and embodied carbon are available across all three product categories.
• It is best to first screen for optimized product types before selecting specific products because the biggest improvements can be made by selecting different product types within a product category.
• Embodied carbon and material health considerations are sometimes contradictory, so it is important to review the provided guidance to make informed decisions.
The reports are available for download at: https://perkinswill.com/carbonhealth
Related Stories
| Apr 3, 2012
Product Solutions
Two new PV systems; a lighter shelf; and fire alarm/emergency communication system.
| Apr 3, 2012
Blaine Brownell on innovative materials applications in architecture
Brownell, who was named a BD+C 40 Under 40 in 2006, provides insight regarding emerging material trends and the creative implementation of materials.
| Apr 3, 2012
AGC Glass to reopen shuttered plant
Shuttered since 2008, the plant produces clear and tinted float glass serving architectural glass markets.
| Apr 3, 2012
Luxury hotel 'groundscraper' planned in abandoned quarry
Would you spend $300 a night to sleep underground? You might, once you see the designs for China's latest hotel project.
| Apr 3, 2012
SSOE acquires MEP Firm CRS Engineering & Design Consultants
The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources.
| Apr 3, 2012
Suffolk completes phase one of Baystate Medical Center expansion
Construction management firm awarded emergency department project for successful build of $296 million MassMutual Wing and Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center.
| Apr 3, 2012
Meyer receives RCMA's Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award
The Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award is presented annually to an individual, selected by his or her peers, who has exemplified outstanding service and made significant contributions to the roof coatings industry.
| Apr 3, 2012
Johns Manville publishes 2011 Sustainability Report
Report covers JM’s long-time sustainability focus and progress towards goals.
| Apr 3, 2012
Educational facilities see long-term benefits of fiber cement cladding
Illumination Series panels made for a trouble-free, quick installation at a cost-effective price. The design for Red Hawk Elementary School stems from the desire to create a vibrant place for kids to learn. In an effort to achieve this design, RB+B Architects selected Nichiha USA to provide a durable yet modern, contemporary exterior finish.
