Eleventh International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

The building and construction sector is responsible for approximately 40% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and over a third of the energy use. As such, the sector presents opportunities to lead change and mitigate environmental impacts. An approach to estimate the input resources and their consequential impacts is the use of Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment. The technique estimates the material inputs and calculates the impacts and emissions associated with each stage of the building life span with results measured in Global Warming Potential [kg CO2 eq]. Understanding the impacts of the sourcing, distribution, use, and disposal of materials can help stakeholders to opt towards less carbon intense materials and energy grid, addressing and reducing climate change effects through procurement and policy. Opting for less intense carbon materials in the design phase can address the need to reduce emissions related to the embodied impacts of the construction, while optimized systems can reduce energy loads. Due to unique characteristics of the material, the use of Mass Timber designs can promote at the same time the reduction of environmental impacts caused by embodied energy from materials and operational energy from building use, when compared to conventional steel and concrete system. The growing demand for greener materials and energy can lead to change in both materials and energy sectors towards more sustainable practices.