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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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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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.
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Life-Cycle Buzz: BEES Now Available for All Operating Systems
News Brief
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Lime Stucco from American Clay Enterprises
Product Review
American Clay Enterprises, known for its popular natural earth plaster, has introduced a setting lime stucco to the national market.
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Carbon Offsets Get Oversight
News Analysis
Carbon offsets have become a popular way to fight climate change, but the market for them has been plagued by doubts about integrity. A new certification program as well attention from federal regulators may help to address key concerns.
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Binders in Manufactured Wood Products: Beyond Formaldehyde
Primer
Concerned about emissions regulations, the manufactured wood products industry is moving away from glues formulated with urea formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde.
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BEES 4.0 LCA Software Continues Evolution
News Brief
Life-cycle assessment tool BEES 4.0 offers a larger data set and other improvements over previous versions.
