Construction is a vital sector for human development, but it is also one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, responsible for climate change.
This sector is responsible for 40% of CO2 emissions, in addition to generating 30% of solid waste and 20% of water pollution.
A determining factor in this scenario is the extensive use of concrete, a material whose production emits large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Within the construction industry, materials play a crucial role in both the functionality of structures and their environmental impact.
The carbon footprint of building materials and life cycle analysis are fundamental tools for understanding and mitigating this environmental impact.
What is the carbon footprint?
The carbon footprint, as defined by ISO 14067, represents the amount of greenhouse gases generated directly and indirectly during an activity or throughout the life cycle of a product or service. In this context, carbon dioxide (CO2) becomes a key player in the evaluation of emissions, given its relevance to climate change and global warming, two crucial issues in the field of sustainable development.
When applied to building materials, the carbon footprint encompasses all greenhouse gas emissions released from the extraction and manufacture of a material to its final disposal.
This includes both direct emissions, such as those produced during the manufacture of the material, as well as indirect emissions, which can come from the transportation of the materials or the energy used in the process.
Main construction materials and their carbon footprint
- Cement: Cement is one of the most widely used materials in construction, but its production is energy intensive and generates large amounts of CO2.
Approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions come from cement production. - Steel: steel also has a significant carbon footprint due to its manufacturing process, which involves high temperatures and CO2 emissions.
- Wood: Wood is a renewable material and has a low environmental impact compared to cement and steel.
However, its carbon footprint depends on factors such as sustainable forest management and transportation distance. - Plastics and composites: these materials have a variable carbon footprint depending on their components and manufacturing methods.
Strategies to reduce carbon footprint
- Use of alternative materials: look for low-carbon alternatives, such as low-clinker cement, recycled steel, certified wood, and more sustainable composite materials.
- Energy efficiency: improve efficiency in the production of materials and in the construction process to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions.
- Transportation optimization: reduce transport distances and promote efficient logistics to minimize material transport emissions.
- Sustainable design: adopt sustainable design principles that minimize the amount of materials required and optimize their performance throughout the building’s life cycle.
Importance of Life Cycle Analysis
To properly understand and manage the carbon footprint in construction, it is essential to use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
This systematic and objective approach assesses the environmental burdens associated with a product, process or activity throughout all its stages, from the extraction of raw materials to the final disposal of the product.
LCA not only identifies and quantifies the use of materials and energy, but also discharges to the environment, enabling the development of effective environmental improvement strategies.
The objective of calculating the carbon footprint in construction is to understand the CO2 emissions associated with each stage of the life cycle of building materials, from raw material procurement to disposal.
This understanding enables industry stakeholders to make informed decisions to minimize environmental impact by adopting measures such as using alternative materials, improving energy efficiency, optimizing transportation and sustainable design.
Ineria’s commitment
Managing the carbon footprint of building materials is essential to address the challenge of climate change.
Life cycle analysis is an effective tool for assessing and mitigating these impacts, providing crucial information for responsible decision making.
Adopting innovative and sustainable approaches to the selection and use of building materials allows us to move towards a future where buildings are not only functional and safe, but also environmentally responsible and sustainable.
At Ineria, our expertise supports this vision by prioritizing life cycle analysis and proposing solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
We recognize the importance of choosing low-carbon materials and actively promote their use to achieve a successful ecological transition.
Collaboration between industry, governments and society is essential to achieve a more sustainable and regenerative built future.
