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    Greenbuild 2023 in Washington, DC

    Embodied Carbon

    (F07) A Diverse Perspective on Embodied Carbon Analysis for Structural System Selection

    Wednesday, September 27, 2023
    3:00pm – 4:00pm US EDT
    Location: Room 202B
    Earn 1 CE Credit(s)

    Sponsored By 
    AIA LU|HSW GBCI Credit LEED BD+C WELL Session Recorded
    The contribution of embodied carbon to overall emissions associated with a building is critical when making decisions about building materials and systems. The primary structure is a major component of a building and has significant impact on the project’s sustainability. Recent LCA studies have highlighted the significance of structural material choice pertaining to the carbon footprint of a building validating that steel and concrete are the two most carbon-emission-intensive materials in construction. Many academic & industry case studies compare variations of the same material type for buildings e.g., changing the concrete mix or rebar design to a low-carbon option. An alternate approach is taken in this case study to help Owners, Designers, and Contractors collaboratively provide input in the early project stages by evaluating a single building with different structural options and performing an LCA to compare the embodied carbon of each. Through this study, we compared (5) different structural options for the same building functional specifications and used it in conjunction with other important parameters like cost, schedule, aesthetics, and flexibility in a CBA Method to evaluate the best option for the project. In a structured discussion format, we will review the significance of embodied carbon in building construction, the findings of our case study analysis, and key elements for the team to consider when evaluating design decisions around structural system preferences. The systems evaluated include traditional concrete and steel systems, as well as prefabricated systems: precast concrete, mass timber, and a hybrid system of steel frame with CLT decks. Each structural system varies in performance, including constructability, operational ease, sustainability, tenant satisfaction, and building lifecycle impacts. Attendees will gain knowledge around each structural system’s benefits, and a clear understanding of how to evaluate them for their projects.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Attendees will learn strategies in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and structural system material selection relevant to LEED & WELL Certifications (LEED v4.1 BD+C MR Credit - Building Life-cycle Impact reduction; WELL v2 Innovation Credits – Carbon Inventory, Carbon Reduction Goal & Carbon Reduction).
    • Attendees will understand our comparison of 5 different structural systems using LCA, the limitations of analysis tools, and available data such as product specific EPDs.
    • Attendees will learn about the owner’s, designer’s, and contractor’s perspectives when evaluating key design decisions around structural system preferences.
    • Attendees will gain knowledge around each structural system’s benefits, and a clear understanding of how to evaluate them (using Choosing By Advantages, CBA) for their projects.