Reducing Carbon Footprints in Construction: Industry Solutions
Buildings account for nearly 40% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, according to Chelsea Drenick, Regional Director at WoodWorks. As climate change remains a pressing global concern, the construction industry has a significant opportunity to adopt practices that reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability.
From materials selection to structural upgrades, the path to reducing carbon footprints begins with acknowledging the industry’s role in shaping a greener future.
The Role of Embodied Carbon in Construction
Robin Landis, Senior Project Manager at DCI Engineers, emphasizes the importance of addressing embodied carbon—the greenhouse gas emissions associated with building materials and construction processes. She explains, “Reducing operational carbon cannot be the only solution. It must go hand-in-hand with reducing embodied carbon.”
Key Opportunity
Construction materials like mass timber are emerging as game-changers in reducing embodied carbon in buildings. These sustainable materials have lower environmental impacts compared to traditional options like concrete and steel.
For more insights on sustainable materials, check out Bisnow’s article on Mass Timber and Embodied Carbon.