You Can Now Specify Low-Embodied-Carbon Steel

Steel is one of our most versatile and important building materials. It is found in even the most boutique low-embodied-carbon buildings. But steel is also one of the world’s biggest sources of carbon emissions, and production of raw steel can come at significant costs to local communities, especially in China where mills create poor air quality and harsh working conditions.

Though U.S.-made, low-embodied-carbon (LEC) steel has been available for years, specifying it can be difficult. But in March of 2024, ClarkDietrich created an environmental product declaration (EPD) for its line of Low Embodied Carbon (LEC) Cold-Formed Steel Studs, Track, and Accessories, which covers its ProSTUD metal drywall framing, structural steel, clips and connectors, floor framing, and more, according to the company. So what makes these products different?