Selecting building materials with lower climate impact
Choosing low-carbon materials reduces emissions from construction and the building’s lifecycle. Focus on materials with lower embodied carbon, durable performance, and potential for reuse or recycling.
Materials to consider:
- Timber and engineered wood: sustainably sourced wood stores carbon and often has lower embodied emissions than steel or concrete for many applications.
- Low-carbon concrete: look for mixes that use supplementary cementitious materials (like fly ash or slag) or lower clinker content.
- Reclaimed or recycled materials: reclaimed bricks, reclaimed timber, and recycled metal reduce the demand for virgin materials.
- Insulation materials with low embodied carbon, such as cellulose, sheep’s wool, or certain mineral wools.
Decision checklist:
- Ask for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or life-cycle assessment data when available.
- Prioritize durability and low maintenance to reduce replacement cycles.
- Choose locally sourced materials to cut transportation emissions where possible.
- Opt for materials with low toxic emissions to improve indoor air quality.
Design strategies that lower material demand:
- Right-size structural elements and reduce over-specification.
- Use modular or prefabricated elements to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
- Design for disassembly so components can be reused at end of life.
Balancing cost and carbon often involves trade-offs. Work with builders or architects experienced in low-carbon design to identify practical options that fit budget and climate goals. Small choices in materials and design add up to meaningful reductions in embodied emissions across a building’s life.