In the global effort to combat climate change, the construction sector continues to account for a substantial portion of carbon emissions worldwide.
In fact, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) warned last year that the UK built environment had still not reduced embodied carbon emissions at a pace required to reach net zero aims.
At the forefront of this movement, low carbon building materials offer a promising solution to reduce the environmental impact of construction work. These materials prioritise Net Zero aims by minimising carbon emissions throughout the building lifecycle, from production to demolition.
Environmental Impact of Traditional Building Materials
Traditional building materials such as concrete, steel, and brick have long been staples in construction due to their strength and durability. However, their widespread use comes at a significant environmental cost. The production of these materials involves high energy consumption as well as high levels of embodied carbon emissions.
Materials such as concrete, steel and aluminium are some of the most used materials in construction, however their production accounts for a substantial portion of global carbon dioxide emissions.
The processes used to manufacture these materials all play a part in the final embodied carbon figure assigned to a building. These processes include raw material extraction, raw processing, melting, the manufacturing, and even transportation to site.
As a result, organisations such as WorldGBC (World Green Building Council) report that, all new buildings, infrastructure and renovations should have at least 40% less embodied carbon by 2030, to meet current Net Zero aims.
Low Carbon Building Materials: Innovations and Impact
Aiming to reduce embodied carbon is one of the few practical steps the construction industry can make. By making better design choices and specifying low carbon building materials, specifiers can meet modern-day initiatives.
When choosing low carbon building materials, there are two main categories you should know: Carbon Sink Building Materials and Low Carbon Building Materials.
Carbon Sink Building Materials:
Carbon sink building materials have the unique ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon sink building materials are primarily sourced from harvested wood products (HWPs), made from trees that sequester carbon through photosynthesis.
As a material, wood’s dry weight is comprised of almost fifty percent carbon. In comparison, the carbon content of approximately 350 litres of gasoline, equates to 1m³ of wood.
Examples of carbon sink building materials include:
- Timber and Bamboo: Renowned for their carbon sequestration capabilities, timber and bamboo act as natural carbon sinks, locking away carbon dioxide absorbed during their growth.
- Biobased Materials: Derived from renewable resources such as agricultural by-products and plant fibres, biobased materials like straw bales and cork have the potential to sequester carbon and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Low Carbon Building Materials:
Low carbon building materials focus on minimising carbon emissions during their production and usage.
Low-carbon building materials include materials with low embodied energy and carbon emissions throughout their production, assembly, and transportation.
The definition of what constitutes low-carbon materials varies from person to person. Therefore, due diligence and research is required to ensure that the products you’re specifying are in fact low carbon building materials.
For instance, while steel and aluminium products are generally regarded as high-embodied carbon materials due to their carbon-intensive extraction and refinement processes, recycled metal products employed in new construction projects can be deemed low-carbon alternatives.
Examples of low carbon building materials include:
- Recycled Materials: Utilising recycled content reduces the need for raw material extraction and processing, consequently lowering carbon emissions. Materials like recycled steel, glass, and plastic contribute to circular economy principles.
- Low-Carbon Bricks: Traditional brick manufacturing processes often involve high energy consumption and emissions. Low-carbon bricks utilise innovative production techniques and alternative materials such as using fly ash – fine glass powder made primarily of iron, silica, and alumina to minimise carbon emissions.
- Green Tiles: Green tiles refer to roofing or wall tiles produced with environmentally friendly materials and processes. These tiles are designed to have a low carbon footprint, typically utilising recycled content or sustainable materials in their production. Additionally, they may incorporate energy-efficient manufacturing techniques to further reduce emissions during production.
- Green Concrete: Innovations in concrete production, such as using supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and slag, aim to reduce the carbon intensity of concrete, a traditionally high-emission material.
Using Low Carbon Building Materials Responsibly
While integrating low carbon building materials is a pivotal step towards sustainable construction practices, it's equally crucial to ensure they are used responsibly. This includes implementing effective waste management techniques and prioritising sustainably sourced materials, such as those sourced from UK Forestry Standard forests.
Waste Management Techniques:
Effective waste management is essential to maximise the environmental benefits of low carbon building materials. Strategies include:
- Recycling and Reuse: Implementing recycling programs on construction sites to divert waste materials, such as wood, metal, and plastic, from landfills. Additionally, promoting the reuse of salvaged materials in new construction projects minimises the demand for virgin resources.
- Waste Reduction: Adopting efficient construction practices to minimise material waste during both production and construction phases. This includes accurate project planning, optimising material usage, and reducing over-ordering of supplies.
- Composting: Implementing composting programs for organic waste generated during construction activities, such as wood scraps and landscaping debris, to divert them from landfills and promote soil health.
Sustainable Sourcing of Materials:
While low carbon building materials offer environmental benefits, their sustainability also hinges on responsible sourcing practices. Key considerations include:
- Sustainable Forestry: Prioritising materials sourced from sustainably managed forests certified by reputable organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). This ensures that timber and other wood-based products come from forests managed with environmental, social, and economic considerations.
- Supply Chain Transparency: Collaborating with suppliers who prioritise transparency and accountability in their supply chains, ensuring that materials are ethically sourced and produced with minimal environmental impact.
- Local Sourcing: Opting for locally sourced materials whenever feasible to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy.
By prioritising the specification of low carbon building materials and integrating responsible construction practices, we not only pave the way for a more sustainable future but help meet current industry net zero aims.
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- Monitor Sustainability Performance: Gain real-time insights into your project's sustainability performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to drive continuous improvement.
Contact us today to learn more about how Access COINS ERP can help you towards incorporating more sustainable practices into your future projects.
