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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Reducing Environmental Impacts of Cement and Concrete
Feature Article
This article explores the environmental footprint of portland cement production and future emissions regulations and looks at the issues surrounding its most common replacement, fly ash.
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Revisiting Wood and Embodied Carbon
Op-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
News Brief
The number of certifications and regulations addressing embodied carbon of building materials has doubled over the past five years.
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Embodied Carbon on a Roll
Blog 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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From Norway, A New Standard for Energy-Positive Design
News 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
Blog 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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Fiberglass, XPS, Cork? Insulation Options for LEED v4 and Living Buildings
Product Review
Choosing insulation with an eye to points in LEED v4 or Living Building Challenge compliance? Here’s how insulation materials compare.
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Behind Humanscale’s Living Product Challenge Certification
News Analysis
Going big, committing early, and removing unneeded chemistry were key ingredients in certifying the Diffrient chair and Float table under LPC.
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Unmilled Timber Frames Go High Tech, Replacing Steel
Product Review
Keep the beauty of round logs, and get more strength from an engineered wood structure, promises Wisconsin-based company WholeTrees.
