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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Marin County First to Adopt Low-Carbon Concrete Code
News Brief
A California county has the first code to address both concrete performance and concrete’s carbon emissions.
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Structural Engineers Study Embodied Carbon of 600 Buildings
News Brief
More than half of a building’s embodied carbon is in its bones, prompting research—and soon, a new Revit tool.
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EC3 Links Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment to Products
News Brief
The Embodied Carbon Construction Calculator brings to light specific brands’ environmental data.
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Cities Crack Down on Buildings via Performance Standards
News Analysis
Stringent performance standards for existing buildings are a new idea that’s shaking up the industry.
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Structural Engineers Unite against Climate Change
News Brief
With SE 2050, structural engineers commit to eliminating embodied carbon from buildings.
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Decarbonization Can Work in Emerging Economies but Faces Flak
News Brief
Achieving zero-carbon buildings is possible in the world’s biggest developing markets, but a new report recommends improvements.
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Pathfinder Tool Helps Landscape Designers Sequester More Carbon
News Brief
Even a garden or park can take decades to become carbon positive. With a little effort, it doesn’t have to be that way.
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Embodied Carbon Tools: Assessing the Options
News Analysis
Interest in embodied carbon is growing. Here’s a guide to the tools that can help you measure and reduce these emissions on projects.
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The Urgency of Embodied Carbon and What You Can Do about It
Feature 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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Better Steel, Lower Impacts
Feature 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.
