Embodied Carbon
Researchers in a laboratory at Oregon State University study the properties of cross-laminated timber. CLTs are a way to reduce the embodied impacts of a structural system.
“Embodied carbon” typically refers to the upfront greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing building materials.
Structural materials like steel and concrete tend to have the highest embodied carbon within a building, but all the other products, even down to interior finishes like drywall and carpet, come into play as well. To learn about the embodied carbon of a specific product, look to an environmental product declaration. A whole-building life-cycle assessment is necessary to understand the emissions associated with an entire project.
Embodied Carbon
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
-
What’s an EPD? Environmental Product Declaration FAQs
Feature Short
We answer FAQs on EPDs, which allow manufacturers to disclose a product’s carbon footprint and other impacts.
-
Getting the EPD Credit in LEED v4: Atlanta Stadium
Feature Short
Innovations go far deeper than a stunning, biomimetic roof. The Atlanta Falcons’ new stadium aims to bring green building to the masses.
-
Apples to Pineapples: Four Reasons You Can’t Compare EPDs
Feature Short
We’d love to use transparency tools to compare products “apples-to-apples.” But we’ve got a long way to go.
-
LEED v4 and EPDs: How’s That Market Disruption Working Out for You?
Feature Short
More EPDs are appearing as a result of LEED v4, even as problems with data quality get worked out on the fly.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
-
The 12 Product Rules
Infographic
These 12 product rules provide a simple approach to selecting better, healthier, and more environmentally responsible building products and materials.
-
EPD Quick-Start Guide: 5 Easy Steps
Infographic
Use these tips to get what you need from an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), fast.
-
Binders in Manufactured Wood Products: Beyond Formaldehyde
Explainer
Concerned about emissions regulations, the manufactured wood products industry is moving away from glues formulated with urea formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde.
-
Embodied Carbon: Measuring How Building Materials Affect Climate
Explainer
Just as operating buildings emits greenhouse gases, buying and installing building materials, product, and appliances causes emissions as well.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
-
Tile
Product Guide
Porcelain tiles that meet third-party environmental standards, and BPA-free adhesives
-
Concrete
Product Guide
Producing cement, the primary ingredient in concrete, generates significant amounts of CO2, mercury, and other pollutants, so maximizing its performance and finding substitutes when possible can improve the environmental footprint of a building.
-
Wallboard
Product Guide
Wallboard with high recycled content and Greenguard Gold certification
-
Engineered Wood
Product Guide
These sustainably sourced structural timbers offer low indoor emissions and other environmental benefits.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
-
Report Guides Carbon Offset Customers
News Analysis
A new report helps buyers evaluate providers of carbon offsets, which help individuals and buildings reduce their carbon footprints.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
-
Opinion: How EPDs Are Improving Our Products—A Manufacturer’s Perspective
Op-Ed
Some manufacturers wonder if EPDs are worth the effort. Yes—and the business case is stronger than the marketing case.
-
Building Materials and the Time Value of Carbon
Op-Ed
When you save matters. What you build matters. Here’s why we need to build well and rebuild better.
-
Building Products Matter Even More Than We Thought
Op-Ed
Operational energy use is critical, but materials might be an even bigger part of the solution to climate change and other pressing environmental issues.
-
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.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
-
The Urgency of Embodied Carbon and What You Can Do about It
Feature Article
Building materials emit massive amounts of carbon long before the lights go on. Here’s how thoughtful design can reduce global warming impact.
-
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.
-
The BuildingGreen Guide to Thermal Insulation
Special Report
The BuildingGreen Guide to Thermal Insulation, Fourth Edition, provides detailed guidance on insulation products and practices, including environmental and health comparisons, and recommendations on what insulation to use and what to avoid.
-
We Must Decarbonize Existing Buildings by 2050—but How?
Feature Article
Curbing carbon emissions requires that we address our vast stock of existing buildings. Here’s how to make the case and get it done.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
-
A Concrete Phoenix Rises: Meet the Brutalist Tiny House
April Fools
Two great movements—from the past and present—come together in a towable 45,000 lb. package
-
Time to Desert the Island
April Fools
A mass timber controversy compels BuildingGreen to bid a regretful farewell to its hippest and most popular event venue.
