Defining the Challenge

Production, use, and re-use of materials contribute to a significant amount of GHG emissions. Our reliance on carbon-intensive materials remains a significant challenge in the transition to a net zero economy.

Sustainable materials have the potential to and are transforming many industries including construction, industrial production, the automotive market, waste management, business innovation in upcycling and recycling technologies, and many more aspects of our daily lives. It is imperative to design these materials early on in the development process to ensure that the focus is not only on performance and cost but also considers the environmental impact of such solutions. There are also increasing regulatory demands towards sustainable supply chains which impact the entire material life cycle from suppliers, manufacturers,  and distribution chains.
So what exactly is the problem with the use and production of certain materials?

Some of the most carbon-intensive building materials contribute to CO2 and carbon emitted into the environment. Learn how each of these can potentially be mitigated using currently available technologies and ongoing future research into alternative materials. 
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Traditional Portland Cement:  The primary binding agent in concrete, involves high-temperature kilning of limestone, which releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). Cement production is one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions in the construction industry. 

 

Steel:  While steel is a strong and versatile material used in construction, its production from iron ore involves the use of high amounts of energy and emits substantial CO2. The steel industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. 

 

Bricks:  Traditional fired clay bricks are energy-intensive to manufacture due to the firing process, which requires high temperatures and releases CO2. The production of concrete blocks can also be energy-intensive due to the cement content. 

 

Aluminum:  While less commonly used in building structures, aluminum production is energy-intensive and produces significant greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

Glass:  The production of glass requires high temperatures and energy consumption, particularly for the melting process. Depending on the manufacturing process, glass production can have a substantial carbon footprint. 

 

Foam Insulation:  Certain types of foam insulation materials, like extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyurethane foam, have a high carbon footprint due to the energy-intensive production of the raw materials and the blowing agents used. 

 

Plastic-Based Building Materials:  Certain plastic-based materials, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), can have a high carbon footprint due to the energy-intensive nature of their production and the use of fossil fuels as feedstock. 

 

Concrete with High Cement Content:  Traditional concrete mixtures with high cement content contribute more to carbon emissions due to the carbon-intensive production of cement.