OVERVIEW
We rarely think about our building products beyond their immediate impact on a building or its indoor air quality. But we should.
How much energy does it take to make a product? What are the raw materials? How much does the product contribute to global warming?
These questions are not addressed by most green product programs, but the resources found here look at products and materials throughout their life cycles, including through:
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life-cycle assessments
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environmental product declarations
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carbon accounting
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embodied energy
With additional knowledge, you will have a more nuanced view of why products are environmentally sustainable and how they can be improved in the future.
IN-DEPTH
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Revisiting Wood and Embodied Carbon
January 7, 2019Op-Ed
A reader argues that a flawed study mars the message of a recent BuildingGreen report on embodied carbon.
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Embodied Carbon Infiltrates Green Building Programs
January 7, 2019News Brief
The number of certifications and regulations addressing embodied carbon of building materials has doubled over the past five years.
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The Urgency of Embodied Carbon and What You Can Do about It
September 10, 2018Feature Article
Building materials emit massive amounts of carbon long before the lights go on. Here’s how thoughtful design can reduce global warming impact.
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The BuildingGreen Guide to Insulation
PDF Report
The BuildingGreen Guide to Insulation provides detailed guidance on insulation products and practices, including cost comparisons and detailed recommendations on what insulation to use, and what to avoid.
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Embodied Carbon on a Roll
October 9, 2018Blog Post
The carbon that’s emitted when we produce materials and construct our buildings is finally getting the attention it deserves.
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The Urgency of Embodied Carbon and What You Can Do About It
Spotlight Report
Building materials emit massive amounts of carbon long before the lights go on. Here’s how thoughtful design can reduce global warming impact.
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Better Steel, Lower Impacts
May 2, 2017Feature Article
Steel’s reputation for high embodied energy and carbon emissions are well documented, but improvements in processing, product selection, and end use can minimize these impacts.
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From Norway, A New Standard for Energy-Positive Design
June 5, 2018News Brief
Powerhouse is a new standard for energy-positive buildings that generate more energy than used for construction, operation, and demolition.
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Material Transparency for LEED v4: EPDs and HPDs for Metal Studs
May 22, 2018Blog Post
Reducing your building’s carbon footprint or health impacts? Going after new LEED credits? Transparency documents for steel studs can help.
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The Great Eight: High-Impact Material Choices for Green Building
June 6, 2016Feature Article
We’re at a tipping point in insulation, flooring, textiles, and other product categories. Here’s what to spec and what to avoid.
