Using an analysis of concrete and cement EPD: verification, selection, assessment, benchmarking and target setting

Abstract

The carbon embodied in buildings is an important proportion of our emissions and needs to be radically reduced in order to support climate change mitigation. The highest proportion of embodied carbon is usually emitted during the product stage, and within the structural elements. Therefore, reducing the carbon embodied in the structural materials is likely to have a major impact. In most buildings, the majority of embodied carbon comes from steel and concrete. But although there are now hundreds of registered Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for cements and concretes, there has been very limited independent published information comparing the embodied carbon of different concrete mixes and raw materials. This lack of comparative data limits the potential to make appropriate decisions at early design stages leading to low carbon buildings. The authors have recently conducted a review of verified EPD for concrete mixes and for concrete’s key constituents, including cement, identifying the range of carbon coefficients. This paper provides guidance on making use of the coefficient ranges provided in that research: to support the verification of EPD for concrete and its raw materials; in material selection; in assessing building level embodied carbon; in benchmarking; and in the setting of reduction targets.

The infl uence of cement on the environmental performance of construction products on the example of cementitious adhesives – External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems [ETICS] components

“…Despite the diffi culties experienced by participants in the LCA assessment process of construction products, subsequent products must be assessed in terms of environmental impact, and the results of these assessments are published in the form of an EPD. It is crucial for many reasons, including that the production of construction products was responsible for 11% of global CO 2 emissions in 2017 (9). The conscious choice of construction products can reduce their negative impact on the environment.…”

“…Activities of all construction market participants aimed to improve environmental awareness and sustainable development of the construction sector result from directives, regulations and global to local initiatives (6,7). When analyzing the existing environmental policy in the construction sector, one should note that it has focused primarily on improving energy effi ciency, broader use of (9). Z tego względu należy zwrócić większą uwagę na ślad węglowy budynków i materiałów budowlanych i uwzględniać go przy podejmowaniu decyzji (10).…”

“…Zgodnie z założeniami deklaracje środowiskowe III typu winny dostarczać w przejrzysty sposób much lesser extent, on construction products and their impact on the environment (8). Although, according to the estimations of the International Energy Agency, the construction product's carbon footprint accounted for approximately 11% of global CO 2 emissions in 2017 (9). Therefore, more attention should be paid to the carbon footprint of buildings and construction products and taken into account when making decisions (10).…”

Sustainability Assessment of Cementitious Ceramic Tile Adhesives

“…Achieving the goals set by the EC is possible through further reduction in energy consumption of buildings, decarbonization of energy sources, optimization of the use of renewable energy sources, reduction in emissions resulting from the operation of buildings and facilities, and reduction in the negative environmental impact of construction products and construction works at the erection, renovation, and disassembly stages. In 2017, building materials were responsible for 11% of global CO 2 emissions [5].…”