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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Twenty-Year Payback for Embodied Carbon of Triple-Glazed Windows
News Brief
It takes almost 20 years for triple-glazed windows to save enough energy to overcome their additional embodied carbon, according to a new study.
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NYC Carbon Challenge Makes Headway in the Private Sector
News Analysis
With projects meeting New York’s steep goal of 30% less carbon ahead of schedule, the city calls on even more buildings to take on the challenge.
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Environmental Data for Window Glass Coming
News Brief
A product category rule for flat glass used in glazing will standardize life-cycle assessments for the industry and lead to EPDs.
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Switching to Portland Limestone Cement Could Reduce Emissions
News Brief
A life-cycle assessment of PLC shows a 12% improvement in environmental performance over ordinary portland cement (OPC) when used in concrete mixes.
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Low Climate Impact of New Blowing Agents Confirmed
News Analysis
The IPCC has deemed Honeywell’s Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent, an HFO that can be used to produce insulation, to have extremely low global warming potential.
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Lighter, Lower-Carbon Concrete Decks with BubbleDeck
Product Review
BubbleDeck's matrix of concrete, plastic spheres, and steel reduces the amount of concrete required in structural slabs.
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Retrofits (Usually) Greener Than New Construction, Study Says
News Analysis
Building reuse has environmental benefits over new construction, but there are important exceptions and caveats.
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New Chemical to Reduce Climate Impact of Foam Insulation
News Analysis
New blowing agents will reduce the global warming potential of SPF, XPS, and the rigid polyurethane foam used in appliances.
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Life-Cycle Buzz: BEES Now Available for All Operating Systems
News Brief
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Embodied Carbon: Measuring How Building Materials Affect Climate
Primer
Just as operating buildings emits greenhouse gases, buying and installing building materials, product, and appliances causes emissions as well.
