WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF BUILDING MATERIAL SELECTION?
The construction industry bears a significant responsibility, accounting for over 45% of carbon emissions in the US, while new building materials contribute about 11% to global emissions. Urgent action is imperative to address this pressing issue, with sustainable building materials playing a crucial role in fostering social equity, environmental justice, clean air and water, and the preservation of natural habitats.
To confront these daunting statistics, our team of architects rigorously considers the environmental impact of their designs long before construction begins. One of the most impactful strategies designers can employ is to create homes that minimize or eliminate the use of environmentally harmful building materials.
The manufacturing processes of steel and concrete, often reliant on coal and imported materials, result in significant carbon emissions. Conversely, wood, a renewable resource sourced locally, possesses the unique ability to absorb and trap CO2. A recent study* stated that “Using wood substitutes could save 14 to 31% of global CO2 emissions and 12 to 19% of global FF
consumption by using 34 to 100% of the world’s sustainable wood growth.”
HOW DOES IT AFFECT HOME COSTS?
Early communication regarding the homeowner's preference for sustainable building materials allows architects to integrate numerous design choices that align with this goal, often without significantly impacting the overall cost.
Both material options present their own set of constraints that influence the home's design. Although the cost of a steel-framed home exceeds that of a wood-framed one, certain design elements can only be achieved using steel framing. Therefore, if material selection is a priority, it should be addressed with our architects at the outset of the design process.
It's important to recognize that while there are considerable environmental benefits, sustainably sourced lumber tends to be more expensive than standard commercially manufactured lumber. Refer to the next section for further insights into the value and costs associated with renewable lumber.