What You Need to Know about the Construction Industry’s Carbon Footprint

The term 'carbon footprint' refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide (CO?) and other carbon compounds, emitted directly or indirectly by human activities. It quantifies the impact of individual actions, products, organizations, or events on the environment in terms of their contribution to global warming and climate change. As Rebecca Solnit wrote in The Guardian , the term was strategically coined by British Petroleum (BP) through a public relations campaign in the early 2000s, aiming to shift blame for climate change from the fossil fuel industry to individual consumers. They developed it as a tool to emphasize how daily activities such as commuting, consumption, and travel significantly contributed to emissions and subsequently to climate change, instead of addressing systemic issues related to fossil fuel consumption and industrial practices.

Among the activities that emit the most carbon on the planet, the construction industry stands out as one of its top contributors. If the world seeks to reverse the impacts of climate change, it is essential to change the way we currently build. The built environment's contribution of almost 40% of carbon emissions demands new approaches. This was the focus of the latest ArchDaily Topic , which highlighted how architecture can lead by focusing on energy-efficient projects, optimizing materials, and embracing the integration and production of renewable energy. This is also the theme of this Newsletter, as we strive to curate informative articles on this critical subject.?

Do you believe that the carbon footprint alone adequately measures the construction industry's impact, or are there other pivotal factors? Share your thoughts, and stay tuned for our upcoming edition.

Eduardo Souza , Senior Editor, Brands & Materials

Embodied Energy in Building Materials: What it is and How to Calculate It

Embodied carbon refers to the sum impact of all greenhouse gas emissions attributed to a material during its life cycle.

Understanding Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment for a Better Architecture

The wbLCA method provides valuable information for decision-making related to design, construction, operation, maintenance, and demolition.

A Carbon Calculator for Building Sustainably: Codesign and 2050 Materials Launch New App Feature

Codesign has proudly partnered with 2050 Materials to launch an early-stage Carbon Calculator.

Do Passive Design Strategies Truly Reduce Carbon Footprint Effectively?

Passive design contributes environmentally to reducing the use of active HVAC systems, which ultimately depend on non-renewable resources.

Design Guide: 7 Essential Features of a Net Zero Building

How to construct a sustainable building with concrete actions during the design process and when choosing solutions, materials and products.

What Is a Passive Building and How Can It Contribute to Decarbonizing Architecture?

The importance of sustainable construction certifications in reducing our environmental impact and carbon footprint.