Abstract
This study presents a whole building life cycle assessment for a 265 m2 end-terrace home built in Michigan, United States. The study scrutinized the embodied carbon footprint of conventional construction materials, focusing on high-impact materials like concrete, steel, gypsum, paint, and insulation. Stages from raw material extraction to transportation and processing of the raw materials into finished products and transportation of finished products to the site are considered. The baseline materials contributed to approximately 28,450 kg CO2e, equivalent to 107.35 kg CO2e/m2. A notable reduction in the embodied carbon footprint, ranging from 19% to 39%, was observed by substituting with ‘like-for-like’ alternatives. However, the study highlighted challenges in shifting to low-embodied carbon materials, primarily due to limited market readiness and scalability of some eco-friendly options. The study also assessed the feasibility of these alternatives using the United States Department of Energy’s “Technology Readiness Level” framework, examining their current production capacity, estimating potential future demand, and identifying key development areas to meet net-zero carbon goals effectively. This comprehensive approach underscores the complexity of transitioning to low embodied-carbon building practices while balancing feasibility and environmental impact.
1 Introduction
The global construction industry significantly impacts resource usage and emissions. It consumes 60% of raw materials by mass (), 15% of the world’s freshwater resources (), and generates 25% of all waste (). It accounted for 36% of global energy use and 39% of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2017 (). More than a fourth of those were embodied carbon emissions associated with producing building materials and construction activities (). This sector ranks third in the United States in greenhouse gas emissions (). From September 2022 to September 2023, Michigan issued about 18,900 residential building permits for constructing single and multi-family homes (). According to American Home Shield, which analyzed Zillow listings, Michigan’s average residential unit size was approximately 160 m2 (). This implies approximately 3 million m2 of residential construction during that period. Stable trends in residential permits issued from 2018 to 2023 suggest Michigan’s yearly residential construction area is about 3 million m2.
Manufacturing some conventional construction materials like concrete, steel, construction plastics can be carbon-intensive (). Studies have demonstrated that 50% of life cycle emissions occur during the “Cradle-to-Gate”-A1-A3 stages of building construction (). Despite this construction volume, decarbonization efforts in the building sector are primarily focused on reducing operational GHG emissions, with national and state initiatives aiming for zero energy-related emissions by 2050 (). Although some studies have pointed out that operational emissions could possibly vary from 60% to 80% over the building’s lifetime (; ). Minimum performance standards and building energy codes are increasing in scope and stringency across countries, and efficient and renewable building technologies are accelerating (). Direct emissions from the buildings sector decreased in 2022 compared to 2021 despite temperatures driving up heating-related emissions in certain regions (). These developments indicate significant progress in managing operational emissions in the building sector.
Therefore, prioritizing A1-A3 stages is crucial in reducing the overall carbon footprint. Following this, attention should also be given to the transportation of finished products to the site-A4, which usually accounts for under 10% of the total embodied carbon, and the installation of these products on-site-A5, contributing between 1% and 5% of the emissions (). This sequential focus on A1-A3, followed by A4-A5, aligns with the identified impact distribution across the life cycle stages. In recent years, multiple studies have been directed toward reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials, focusing on exploring alternative materials and techniques applicable to various infrastructural elements, including homes, roads, and pavements (; ; ; ; ; ; ). These studies underscore the importance of adopting lower carbon-intensive practices across the entire construction industry to achieve meaningful progress toward low embodied carbon scenarios.
The initial stages of a building’s life cycle offer a significant opportunity for architects, engineers, and builders to implement strategies to reduce the carbon footprint. Decisions made during these phases can lead to substantial reductions in embodied carbon, emphasizing the responsibility of industry professionals. In contrast, the later stages of a building’s life cycle present different challenges. The influence over carbon reduction shifts to home-owners and end-users. The effectiveness of reducing emissions during these stages significantly depends on the awareness and commitment of the occupants toward sustainability practices. In conclusion, effectively reducing emissions in the building sector requires a holistic approach that addresses embodied and operational carbon emissions. This strategy begins at the earliest stages of a building’s conception, well before the architect’s drawing phase, and extends beyond the end-users, considering the end-of-life of building materials. It emphasizes the need for increased awareness and active involvement from all stakeholders in the building lifecycle.
As of 2021, 70% of the 128.5 million United States households were single-family dwellings, reflecting the predominant preference of Americans (). Furthermore, the average area of United States houses has increased by 21% since the 1970s (), and in 2021, 1.7 million single-family housing projects were constructed in the United States () with a median size of about 214 m2 (). These imply that 2021 witnessed about 363 million m2 of new construction in the United States. Such trends underscore the importance of understanding and addressing the environmental implications of housing choices. In light of the above, the current study focused on a prototypical single-family townhouse in Southeast Michigan, spanning an area of 265 m2. This house includes three floors, three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a porch, an unfinished basement, and an attached garage.
This study conducts a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to assess the embodied carbon impact of a 265 m2 end-terrace home in Southeast Michigan, focusing on replacing conventional building materials with low embodied carbon alternatives without altering the building’s structure. Emphasizing technological readiness levels (TRLs), it evaluates the scalability of these alternatives and their market penetration. The research identifies materials and techniques needing further development for effective decarbonization, bridging the gap between theoretical exploration and practical implementation in construction. This approach significantly advances the movement toward low embodied carbon building practices.
2 State of the art
In recent years, research has been conducted to improve LCA methodologies to better capture the environmental impacts of construction. For instance, research proposed dynamic LCAs, such as semantic-based real-time assessments, addressing temporal and spatial variation (). Simultaneously, tools like Embodied Construction Carbon Calculator (EC3), One Click LCA, and Athena Impact Estimator have been developed to conduct WBLCA exclusively. Research also assesses the environmental impacts of emerging technologies through LCA, recommending methodological adaptations for prospective LCA and highlighting the importance of considering future technology alternatives and varied data sources ().
Numerous studies have explored substituting concrete with wood structures in low carbon construction research. Studies have also independently explored alternative concrete design mixes. However, a notable gap exists in examining the comprehensive WBLCA that incorporates the utilization of low embodied carbon iterations of embodied carbon-intensive building materials without significantly changing the building structure while assessing the practicality of the substitution through TRL assessment. A study demonstrated the substitution for a few high-impacting materials like walls and roofing systems (). However, alternatives for other high-impacting construction materials like concrete, gypsum, steel, and vinyl are needed, and the technological readiness of these low embodied carbon alternatives needs to be assessed. A recent study summarized the cradle-to-gate embodied emissions of 780 homes built across Southern Canada and the United States (). The study found that the embodied emissions of these homes varied from 72 to 561 kg CO2e/m2 of conditioned floor area in North America. Essential high-impact materials identified included concrete, insulation, cladding, interior surfaces, windows, roofing, and wooden frames. The analysis suggested that using commercially available, affordable, and code-compliant materials could reduce emissions by 30%–50%. However, while aligning with the general findings of the current analysis presented in this document, it did not provide a detailed quantification of the embodied carbon of the alternative materials, nor did it assess the technological maturity of these “best” alternatives.
An LCA shows that natural assemblies like light straw clay, cob, and rammed earth outperform conventional materials regarding energy use, emissions reduction, and other environmental impact categories across all climatic conditions (). However, utilizing materials like rammed earth and straw clay would require altering the baseline structure of the building. Research conducted in Norway shows that cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures exhibit 25% lower GHG emissions in production stages and 13% lower emissions across all life cycle stages for CLT (). An extension of this study found that incorporating biogenic carbon reinforces CLT’s environmental advantages (). A similar analysis in Sweden reveals that materials like wood frames and cellulose insulation significantly outperform concrete and treated wood regarding environmental impact across various construction stages for Nordic climatic conditions (). Studies in India () and China () underline the environmental benefits of using timber over concrete in residential buildings, specific to the local conditions. In Finland, timber apartments had the lowest carbon footprint. However, the research also highlighted the better performance of hybrid buildings (timber and concrete) over fully reinforced concrete structures (). This work also supports the adoption of hybrid buildings, which offer solutions to challenges like sagging, vibration, and acoustic issues through judicious use of wood, presenting a compelling alternative to purely timber-based construction.
While many of the studies mentioned an earlier focus on substituting concrete with wooden structures, there are some suggesting alternative concrete design mix approaches. For example, three alternative design mixes were proposed to replace 100% Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete (). A life cycle assessment showed that OPC concrete had a higher carbon footprint than an alternative design mix using 100% ground granulated blast-furnace slag and pozzolana Portland cement (). The environmental impact of producing CO2-cured concrete blocks has consistently been lower in all impact categories compared to producing traditional Portland concrete blocks (). Lower-carbon concrete production was also demonstrated from alternative materials like ground granulated blast furnace slag, recycled aggregate, biochar, and the use of biomass fly ash (; ).
In conclusion, this study uniquely combines WBLCA, TRL evaluation, and market analysis to provide a holistic perspective on key low-embodied carbon construction materials. It innovatively integrates these aspects to identify hotspots in the early building life cycle stages, substituting high-impact materials with alternatives without altering the structure of the building, and assesses the practicality of these substitutions. This approach effectively bridges the gap between material innovation and real-world implementation in the construction industry, offering a comprehensive system-level perspective on building practices.
3 Methodology
The bill of materials for the townhouse was obtained through a private communication with the builder. This provided detailed information on the construction materials and techniques used. As the house was constructed without a specific focus on sustainability, it is assumed for this study that the material quantities represent a typical townhouse in the United States. The foundation was made of 20 MPa concrete, reinforced with steel, and insulated using polystyrene foam. The wall construction utilized softwood lumber studs and was covered with gypsum board for a smooth finish; this surface was painted. The fenestrations were composed of wooden doors and plastic windows. The flooring slab was made of softwood lumber plywood, softwood lumber joists, oriented stranded board (OSB), and finished with vinyl tile. The construction included softwood lumber for the structural columns and steel sections for the framing. The roof comprised a softwood truss system, supporting asphalt shingles, and an underlayment roofing system. The house was well-insulated with blown-in cellulose in the attic, mineral wool batts in the walls, and a high-density polyethylene plastic wrap on the exterior for enhanced energy efficiency and moisture barrier. Externally, the house was cladded in vinyl siding, chosen for its low maintenance and longevity. Figure 1 shows the components of the house, and Table 1 summarizes the construction materials used.
FIGURE 1
TABLE 1
| Material | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 20 MPa Concrete (3000 PSI) | 23 | m3 |
| Steel | 1,425 | kg |
| 0.5″ Gypsum for wall and ceiling | 1835 | m2 |
| Heterogeneous Vinyl floor | 175 | m2 |
| Vinyl siding | 175 | m2 |
| Interior and Exterior Paint | 360 | kg |
| Ceramic tiles | 310 | kg |
| Roofing system (shingle, underlayment, leak barrier, starter barrier and hip and ridge) | 110 | m2 |
| Treated lumber | 0.50 | m3 |
| Softwood lumber | 30 | m3 |
| Oriented Stranded Board | 2 | m3 |
| Plywood | 6.50 | m3 |
| Medium Density Fiberboard | 0.50 | m3 |
| Cellulose fiber | 645 | kg |
| Stone wool insulation | 220 | kg |
| High-density Polyethylene Wrap | 10 | kg |
| Polystyrene Insulation foam | 75 | kg |
| Plastic window (incl. Patio door) | 35 | m2 |
| Wood and Metal Exterior door | 6 | m2 |
| Wooden Interior Door | 35 | m2 |
Materials used in the construction of the single-family home (per the builder).
To evaluate the embodied-carbon footprint of the end-terrace home, a cradle to construction-site-gate LCA was conducted per ISO 14044 standards. The LCA methodology adopted in this research was delineated into three primary phases: defining the goal and scope, gathering the life cycle inventory, and assessing the embodied carbon footprint. Defining the objective and scope necessitates the determination of the functional unit, which, for this study, was set as “1 m2” of the building. The system boundaries were clearly outlined, encompassing stages such as raw material acquisition, often denoted as A1 in the Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), transportation of these materials to processing facilities-A2, processing of the raw materials-A3, and their subsequent transportation to construction sites-A4. The on-site installation phase-A5 was excluded due to its small (yet non-negligible) contribution to structural embodied carbon; it is also a variable influenced by construction methods, material choices, and site setup ().
Figure 2 shows the system boundary considered in the LCA of the study. A market study of current production capacities for alternatives complemented the research assessing the embodied carbon footprints of construction materials. This study aimed to gauge the market readiness of eco-friendly options. This market analysis was crucial in understanding these alternatives’ technological readiness and market penetration potential, ensuring their feasibility for fulfilling the needs of Michigan’s construction sector.
FIGURE 2
This analysis recognizes the progress made by state and federal initiatives in improving the energy mix, thus operational emissions are not included. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) notes that buildings in the United States are responsible for 40% of carbon emissions, with 80% stemming from electricity consumption and the remainder from fossil fuel combustion for heating and other building needs (). However, there’s a shift towards clean, carbon-neutral electricity. For instance, Duke Energy aims to deliver 100% carbon-neutral energy by 2050. Moreover, 12 states and 160 cities have set official targets to source 100% of their electricity from clean energy by 2050 (). According to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) study, emissions from the electricity grid are projected to decrease by over 60% by 2040 (). The NREL’s Cambium Model’s mid case prediction shows around a 50% reduction in the greenhouse gas emission for national average electricity grid ().
This study focuses on assessing the upfront embodied carbon emissions during the construction of a single-family home, intentionally excluding end-of-life (EOL) considerations. The study examines “like-for-like” material substitutions without substantial alterations in their basic composition, which means EOL emissions for substitutes are not significantly different from those of the conventional choices. For materials where substitutes differ fundamentally from the conventional choice, EOL considerations are qualitatively addressed within Sections 4.13–4.17.
Although studies indicate that EOL emissions can account for up to 15% of a building’s total carbon footprint, incorporating them into this analysis was beyond the scope of the study. The average service life of residential buildings in the United States is estimated at 61 years (), and materials like concrete and steel typically last throughout the building’s entire life. Some construction materials longevity also varies from 5 to 100 years (; ), making it challenging to predict future disposal and recycling technologies. Buildings also comprise components with diverse EOL characteristics regarding reusability and recyclability. The variability in how end-users manage these materials at EOL—whether through landfilling, recycling, reusing, or incineration—adds to this complexity. Additionally, regional differences in waste management practices, regulations, and infrastructure introduce further variability in EOL assessments. These factors collectively contribute to the challenges of accurately incorporating the EOL phase in a WBLCA.
A parallel study conducted to determine the carbon footprint values from EPDs sourced from the EC3 tool (Embodied Construction Carbon Calculator tool) for each construction material proved inconclusive and could not be used in lieu of a detailed WBLCA model. The limitation of EPDs in this context was their inability to effectively compare the environmental performances of different materials, such as concrete and wood. This difficulty stemmed from the requirement that materials be functionally equivalent and assessed under identical methodologies and life cycle modules—a challenging alignment given the distinct Product Category Rules (PCRs) governing different EPDs. Thus, a more integrated approach like WBLCA is needed for thorough environmental performance analysis ().
4 Results and discussion
The carbon footprint of a 265 m2 baseline home built using conventional materials (Table 1) encompassing stages A1-A4 was calculated to be approximately 28,450 kg CO2 e (107.35 kg CO2e/m2), aligning with findings from another research (). The current study identified several materials with a high impact on the overall carbon footprint of the building construction, including concrete, steel, insulation, interior surfaces (such as vinyl tile and paint), cladding (specifically vinyl siding), and plastic windows. Research has independently identified similar materials as significant contributors to the carbon footprint in construction (). Table 2 illustrates each material’s embodied carbon intensity or the carbon footprint per unit quantity of the material A1-A4 emissions, and Table 3 further expands on this by presenting the carbon emissions attributed to A1-A4 stages to each baseline material used in home construction.
TABLE 2
| Material | Carbon intensity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 20 MPa Concrete | 244.75 | kg CO2e/m3 |
| Steel | 1.46 | kg CO2e/kg |
| 0.5″ Gypsum plasterboard | 2.22 | kg CO2e/m2 |
| Vinyl floor | 11.3 | kg CO2e/m2 |
| Vinyl siding | 5.17 | kg CO2e/m2 |
| Paint | 6.6 | kg CO2e/kg |
| Ceramic tiles | 0.70 | kg CO2e/kg |
| Roofing system (shingle, underlayment, leak barrier, starter barrier, and hip and ridge) | 7.88 | kg CO2e/m2 |
| Treated lumber | 105.09 | kg CO2e/m3 |
| softwood lumber | 94.72 | kg CO2e/m3 |
| Oriented Strand Board | 368.14 | kg CO2e/m3 |
| Plywood | 140.16 | kg CO2e/m3 |
| Medium Density Fiberboard | 600.00 | kg CO2e/m3 |
| Cellulose fiber insulation | 0.32 | kg CO2e/kg |
| Stone wool insulation | 1.24 | kg CO2e/kg |
| High-density Polyethylene Wrap | 1.77 | kg CO2e/kg |
| Polystyrene Insulation foam | 4.38 | kg CO2e/kg |
| PVC window | 39.65 | kg CO2e/m2 |
| Exterior wood-metal door | 109 | kg CO2e/m2 |
| Interior wooden Door | 56.46 | kg CO2e/m2 |
A1-A4 Embodied carbon intensity of each material used in the conventional baseline home under consideration.
TABLE 3
| Material | Quantity | Unit | Carbon footprint (A1-A3) | Carbon footprint (A4) | Total carbon footprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 MPa Concrete | 23 | m3 | 5,480 | 149 | 5,629 |
| Steel | 1,425 | kg | 2,070 | 10 | 2080 |
| 0.5″ Gypsum plasterboard | 1,835 | m2 | 4,046 | 20 | 4,066 |
| Vinyl floor tile | 175 | m2 | 1,959 | 18 | 1977 |
| Vinyl siding | 175 | m2 | 902 | 3 | 905 |
| Paint | 485 | kg | 3,190 | 7 | 3,197 |
| Ceramic tiles | 310 | kg | 196 | 20 | 216 |
| Roofing system (shingle, underlayment, leak barrier, starter barrier, and hip and ridge) | 110 | m2 | 847 | 20 | 867 |
| Treated lumber | 0.5 | m3 | 50 | 2 | 53 |
| softwood lumber | 30 | m3 | 2,729 | 113 | 2,842 |
| Oriented Strand Board | 2 | m3 | 724 | 13 | 736 |
| Plywood | 6.5 | m3 | 862 | 49 | 911 |
| Medium Density Fiberboard | 0.5 | m3 | 295 | 5 | 300 |
| Cellulose fiber insulation | 645 | kg | 189 | 18 | 207 |
| Stone wool insulation | 220 | kg | 269 | 5 | 274 |
| High-density Polyethylene Wrap | 10 | kg | 18 | 0 | 18 |
| Polystyrene Insulation foam | 33 | kg | 144 | 1 | 145 |
| PVC window | 35 | m2 | 1,384 | 15 | 1,399 |
| Exterior wood-metal door | 6 | m2 | 651 | 4 | 655 |
| Interior wooden Door | 35 | m2 | 1,962 | 15 | 1976 |
The A1-A4 carbon footprint of baseline materials for end terrace house (Unit kg CO2e).
The current study took a selective approach in considering alternatives (). For instance, wooden products and roofing systems exhibit high carbon intensity and should have been prioritized for alternatives. It is essential to highlight the significant impact that biogenic carbon in wood has on the overall carbon footprint assessment of wood products. Despite its importance, the conservative methodology utilized in this study does not account for this factor, potentially leading to an overstated carbon footprint for wood products. Research indicates that while standards do acknowledge the importance of considering temporary carbon storage in LCAs of wood products, there remains a lack of agreement regarding a standardized methodology for incorporating this accounting (). Consequently, to simplify the calculations, biogenic carbon accounting has been omitted from this study’s scope. Conversely, solar roofs were suggested as an alternative to the roofing system. However, the environmental impact of solar roofs is measured in terms of their ability to offset grid energy’s operational emissions or (kg CO2e/kWh) (). Since operational emissions were not the focus of this study, this alternative was not included in the calculations. This approach reflects a strategic focus on embodied carbon emissions, prioritizing materials with high carbon intensity for replacement with low-carbon alternatives that do not require altering the house’s structure while considering the materials’ scalability to penetrate the market.
Figure 3 summarizes the changes in embodied carbon intensities for various materials compared to baseline values. The absolute values of the embodied carbon intensity for each material are normalized to 1 for the baseline cases. In the case of concrete, employing a mix design that included mineralized CO2 aggregates led to a notable decrease in upfront embodied carbon emissions relative to traditional mix designs. Steel produced entirely from recycled materials exhibited a significant reduction in global warming potential (GWP) in comparison to standard steel. Plasterboard utilizing 100% synthetic gypsum from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) also resulted in a reduced embodied greenhouse gas profile compared to traditional plasterboard. Examining vinyl products, engineered flooring emerged as a more environmentally friendly option over standard vinyl flooring, while vinyl siding offered advantages over wooden siding. Paint formulated with partially recycled materials displayed a marked decrease in embodied carbon footprint versus conventional acrylic paint. Insulation made entirely from recycled materials achieved the lowest carbon footprint when assessed against both its partially recycled and non-recycled counterparts. Finally, wooden windows were found to have a preferable environmental impact in contrast to PVC windows. Section 4.1 explains each material and its alternatives in detail.
4.1 Alternative materials assessment in detail
FIGURE 3
4.1.1 Concrete
The average concrete strength typically utilized in similar applications, viz., constructing various basement structures in residential buildings, is assumed to be 20 MPa. The 20 MPa (3000 PSI) mix design with a 2,400 kg/m3 density is based on the NRMCA regional benchmark design for the “Great-Lakes Midwest region.” Table 4 presents the quantities of raw material used in making the “baseline mix.” The A1-A3 emissions for 1 m3 of this concrete are 238 kg CO2 e/m3. The total A1-A4 emissions for all concrete used are listed in Table 3.
TABLE 4
| (unit: kg) | Baseline mix | 50% traditional SCM | CSC to replace OPC (w/SCM) | Equal parts of CSC and OPC (w/o SCM) | Baseline mix with CO2-mineralized aggregates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement OPC | 227 | 152 | 113 | 144 | 227 |
| Cement CSC | 113 | 144 | |||
| Fly Ash | 26 | 61 | 26 | 26 | |
| Slag Cement | 16 | 91 | 16 | 16 | |
| Mixing water | 158 | 155 | 158 | 154 | 158 |
| Coarse Aggregate | 1,026 | 995 | 1,026 | 995 | |
| CO2-mineralized coarse aggregates | 1,026 | ||||
| Fine Aggregate | 858 | 752 | 858 | 807 | |
| CO2-mineralized fine aggregates | 858 | ||||
| Admixtures | 0.89 | 1.65 | 0.89 | 0.7 | 0.89 |
Essential raw materials for 1 m3 of 20 MPa concrete mix (3000 PSI).
The alternatives proposed to reduce the embodied carbon intensity of traditional concrete were:
a. Using a design mix with 50% traditional Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) ()
b. Replacing OPC with Calcium Silicate cement (CSC) ()
c. Replacing conventional fine and coarse aggregates with CO2-mineralized aggregates ()
The proposed alternatives are only a few out of multiple possibilities that could reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.
a) Traditional SCM: Substituting 50% of OPC with traditional SCM followed the NRMCA’s 3000-50FA/SL standards. The mix comprised 30% slag and 20% fly ash (Table 4). This substitution achieved a 23.3% reduction in the design mix’s embodied carbon intensity A1-A4, amounting to about 4,317.6 kg CO2e for the 23 m3.
Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is considered burden-free regarding its carbon footprint when used in concrete design mixes. The impacts are cut off at the point of electricity production in coal-fired power plants. Unused fly ash accumulating in open sites can potentially harm the environment due to its heavy metal content (arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium), which can leach into the soil when in contact with water, thus polluting natural resources (
;
). Therefore, incorporating fly ash in concrete serves as a dual benefit: reducing cement use and managing toxic waste. Nonetheless, the Department of Energy highlights a decline in fly ash and slag quantities due to the decommissioning of coal and Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) steelmaking facilities. Despite declining availability, fly ash and slag remain economically viable substitutes with a significant presence in Michigan. Thus, the TRL is assessed at 9.
b) Calcium silicate-based cement (CSC) to replace OPC: Of late, other OPC alternatives like natural pozzolans, limestone cement, Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), and CSC have been researched (; ). The current study identified CSC as an alternative due to its growing popularity (). CSC shares raw material similarities with OPC but is distinct in its production. It is a reduced-lime, non-hydraulic calcium silicate cement produced at lower temperatures, reducing the cement plant’s energy requirement and, thus, CO2 emissions by 30% ().
A hypothetical concrete mixture modified from the baseline mixture, incorporating 50% CSC as a substitute for OPC while retaining the traditional SCM content, was proposed (
Table 4). This substitution resulted in a 24% reduction in embodied carbon intensity, translating to a carbon footprint of 4,270 kg CO
2e for 23 m
3of concrete. Utilizing equal parts OPC and CSC without traditional SCM did not yield significant carbon savings. This outcome is attributed to the low to no carbon footprint associated with the traditional SCM, such as fly ash and slag, which are by-products of other industrial processes. While CSC presents a viable partial substitute for OPC at TRL of 7 (
;
), its advantages are less pronounced when compared with readily available SCMs like fly ash and slag.
c) Mineralized CO2aggregate: Aggregates form 81% of the baseline concrete mix. Replacing all fine and coarse aggregates with CO2-mineralized synthetic limestone aggregates in the baseline mix resulted in a 117% reduction in the embodied carbon intensity, equating to a −960 kg CO2e footprint for 23 m3 of concrete. This negative value indicates CO2 sequestration during mineralization. Mineral Carbonation is a process where CO2 is permanently converted to stable carbonates, mimicking natural limestone rock weathering (; ). Production technologies are maturing towards commercial scale () with TRL 6 in the United States (; ). Examples of TRL 9 ‘accelerated carbonization’ technologies exist (), however none are currently operational in the US. Studies have also demonstrated that the carbon footprint of the concrete mix made with these aggregates could be reduced further if the design mix used cement from production facilities where the CO2 was captured to produce the aggregates ().
The analysis also examined the total quantity of essential raw materials required to meet the demands of the alternative design mix for the projected construction of 3 million m2 of housing in Michigan each year. A 20% variance in the estimation is assumed based on a comparative analysis of the quantity of concrete used in 40 single-family homes (). Including the variance in the projections aims to provide flexibility and realism, accounting for potential fluctuations in future concrete requirements for housing developments.
A key consideration is the availability of alternative materials. The estimated demand for concrete is roughly 260,000 ( ± 20%) m³. This volume would require about 16,000 ( ± 20%) tonnes of fly ash and 24,000 ( ± 20%) tonnes of slag for “50% traditional mix.” In 2021, the national supply was 25.4 million tonnes of fly ash and 2.6 million tonnes of slag (). About 29,000 ( ± 20%) tonnes of CSC would be needed for the proposed design mix using CSC and traditional SCM. Additionally, replacing traditional aggregates with low-carbon alternatives would necessitate around 500,000 ( ± 20%) tonnes of mineralized-CO2 fine and coarse aggregates. However, the production of CSC and such aggregates is still in the early stages and cannot yet meet these full requirements.
4.1.2 Steel
Steel, primarily used as fabricated reinforcement and sectional beams, is produced globally through two main methods. The Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) route accounts for 71% of global steel production (), transforming iron ore into pig iron in a blast furnace (). This method contributes to around 70% of CO2 emissions in the iron and steel industry and resists most decarbonization technologies (). The second method, Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking, heats materials like steel scraps and pig iron using electricity (), potentially reducing carbon footprints by 40%–60% compared to BOF, depending on the plant’s location (). In 2021, around 70% of United States steel production used the EAF method, and in 2022, the United States imported approximately 24% of its steel (; ; ). The study assumed a steel composition blend of 70% EAF and 30% BOF steel, reflecting domestic production and imports in the United States. This blend resulted in an embodied carbon intensity of 1.45 kg CO2 e/kg of steel. With high recycled content, the EAF route reduced embodied carbon intensity by 38%. Therefore, 1,425 kg of steel with over 90% recycled content in EAF had a carbon footprint of 1,282 kg CO2 e. The A1-A4 emissions for steel are detailed in Table 3.
The carbon footprint can be reduced further if the electricity used to make the steel can be cleaner (). The estimated quantity of recycled steel produced using the EAF to fulfill Michigan’s residential construction demand is about 23,000 ( ± 36%) tonnes. The variance is estimated based on the projected concrete requirement of 260,000 ( ± 20%) m3 and research demonstrating that 70–100 kg of steel would be required per m3 of concrete (). The United States steel industry is well-equipped to meet the demand for reinforcing steel, producing about 8 million tonnes annually, with over 97% recycled content (). Additionally, United States steel mills can produce over 9 million tons of structural steel yearly (). This significant production capability and established market presence suggest a TRL of 9.
4.1.3 Gypsum
Gypsum is one of the most abundantly used materials in residential construction, ranking just after wood. In residential construction, a 0.5 lightweight and regular core gypsum board with an area density of 6.6 kg/m
2is commonly used (
). To reduce the embodied carbon intensity compared to the baseline gypsum plasterboard, the low carbon alternatives proposed were:
a. Gypsum Board made of 100% Flue Gas Desulfurization Synthetic (FGD) Gypsum
b. Recycling gypsum board
a) FGD Gypsum: Approximately 2,600 million m2 of gypsum boards were sold in the United States in 2021 (). Members of the Gypsum Association (GA) in North America produce and ship over 90% of the gypsum board used in the United States and Canada (). Based on the weighted average material inventory illustrated by the GA, about 30% of the gypsum used in making gypsum plasterboard was naturally mined (). Replacing natural gypsum with FGD would eliminate all the environmental impacts associated with the mining of natural gypsum. Using FGD gypsum in panel products is recognized by the EPA as an important contribution to materials management ().
The desulfurization process involves wet scrubbers and forced oxidation to reduce SO2 emissions, and the gypsum produced is mineralogically identical to natural gypsum (). FGD gypsum is considered a recovered “waste” material and is used burden-free other than those burdens necessary for input in manufacturing gypsum boards (). This makes FGD gypsum an ideal substitute for mined gypsum in wallboard manufacturing (). When plasterboards were made of 100% FGD gypsum, the embodied carbon intensity was reduced by 15.6%, reducing the carbon footprint of 12 tonnes (1836 m2) of gypsum to 3,440 kg CO2 e. Research shows that fully substituting natural gypsum with FGD gypsum reduced the carbon footprint of calcined gypsum by 25% (). The environmental impacts attributed to FGD gypsum include separation, dewatering, transportation, and calcination (). With 78.8% of the ‘utilized FGD gypsum’ going into plasterboard production, this well-established technology’s TRL is assessed at 9 ().
b) Recycling gypsum board: Around 64% of drywall waste originates from new construction (), with about 12% of new construction drywall wasted during installation (). Gypsum board recycling involves gathering waste from various sites—manufacturing, construction, deconstruction, reconstruction, and transporting it to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). At MRFs, manual sorting removes metals, plastics, and other debris. Waste drywall contaminated with mold or paint, especially from pre-1978 structures with lead paint, is unsuitable for recycling and is discarded (). Recyclable drywall undergoes paper separation, crushing, and dehydration in a furnace, which consumes significant energy (). The resulting recovered material usually consists of approximately 93% gypsum, 6% paper, and less than 1% waste (). However, replacing freshly mined gypsum with recycled gypsum does not significantly reduce CO2 emissions because an average gypsum board made in North America contains only about 30% natural gypsum (). However, with the anticipated decrease in the availability of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) like fly ash, slag, and FGD gypsum due to the gradual decommissioning of coal power plants (), considering drywall recycling as a method to produce new drywall could become more relevant in the future with improved technologies.
The demand for recycled drywall in North America is low (); manufacturers have stringent requirements for incorporating recycled gypsum into new drywall production. The paper content in drywall waste influences the amount of recycled gypsum allowed in new drywall, as it directly affects the fire rating of the plasterboard (). Michigan’s statewide general recycling rate is around 18%, with Wayne County at 25%, while the national rate is 32%. This is partly due to the lower tipping fees for trash disposal (). While a fully developed technology, gypsum recycling is hindered from becoming more widely adopted. Nevertheless, the main advantage of recycling gypsum is to prevent it from ending up in landfills, where it poses environmental risks. When drywall waste decomposes in landfills, bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs, is flammable, and poses health hazards such as eye and respiratory irritation and headaches. If ignited, this gas turns into sulfur dioxide, contributing to acid rain (; ; ).
Approximately 9.5 tonnes of gypsum are used for constructing an average 160 m2 Michigan home (). Extrapolating from this, an estimated 180,000 tonnes (27 million m2) of plasterboard are required to satisfy Michigan’s annual residential construction needs. Study shows that plasterboard comprises 91.5% calcinated gypsum (), so 165,000 tonnes of FGD gypsum would be required to satisfy Michigan’s plasterboard requirement. In 2021, the availability of FGD gypsum was listed as 17.86 million tonnes in the United States ().
The United States generates 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, with nearly half going to landfills. Construction and demolition materials comprise over 50% of landfill content, with gypsum panels comprising about 2.5% of the debris (), or at least 3.6 million tons (∼545 million m2). To fulfill Michigan’s annual plasterboard requirement (180,000 tonnes) at about 20% recycling rate into new plasterboard (), 720,000 tons (∼109 million m2) can be generated in the United States.
4.1.4 Vinyl
4.1.4.1 Flooring
546.36 million m2 of vinyl tiles were sold in 2021 in the United States (). It is highly resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture, making it one of the most popular and cost-effective flooring options for residences where occasional spills and moisture are a concern (). The product used to construct the baseline was heterogeneous vinyl flooring, a multi-layer product used in light commercial and residential interiors. 175 m2 of floor area was covered with vinyl tile in the baseline home. The proposed alternative to vinyl flooring was engineered wooden flooring, constructed using multiple wood veneers bonded together in an MDF board as the core layer. The maturity of these materials is at TRL 9. Eco-friendly engineered wooden flooring is cost-effective compared to solid wood flooring, thus gaining significant traction in North America (; ; ). Replacing vinyl flooring with engineered wood reduced the embodied carbon intensity by 39.4%, translating to approximately 1,198 kg CO2e carbon footprint for 175 m2 of flooring. In 2022, the United States produced 164.0 million m2 of engineered wooden flooring, and the new construction end-use segment accounted for 95.4 million m2. Assuming that 50%–90% of the total area of new single-family homes will have flooring, an estimated 1.5 million to 2.7 million m2 of engineered wooden flooring would be required to meet Michigan’s housing demand of 3 million m2.
4.1.4.2 Siding
Vinyl siding has been popular because of its low maintenance and cost-effectiveness (). Vinyl siding was the primary exterior wall material for 26% of new single-family homes in the United States (). 63% of the homes in East North Central states (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio) had their exteriors made of vinyl siding. About 175 m2 of vinyl siding was used for the baseline home. Engineered wooden siding, as a mature alternative at TRL 9, is gaining attention in the construction industry. This composite wood siding is created by breaking down wood into its basic fibers, which are then reassembled with a resin system to form hard panels (). These panels possess unique properties, distinguishing them from traditional wood siding (). However, replacing vinyl siding with engineered wooden siding did not significantly reduce embodied carbon intensity in the current analysis. Recent research also demonstrates similar findings (; ; ). Studies have found that vinyl siding is more environmentally and economically efficient than other industry options (; ; ). Despite this, there are concerns regarding using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in siding. Classified as a dangerous form of plastic, PVC is challenging to recycle conventionally and is known for its potential to release toxic gases during processing (). The Vinyl Siding Institute is increasing its recycling efforts, but many recycling centers are reluctant to handle PVC products due to their complex nature to recycle (). While over 500,000 tonnes of vinyl material are recycled annually in the United States and Canada, post-consumer material comprises less than a fifth of the total use (). Given these complications, there is a clear need to improve the technology for manufacturing wooden siding to reduce the embodied carbon intensity associated with engineered wooden siding. Assuming that the area of the outer walls requiring siding is about 50%–90% of the total floor area of the house, the estimated quantity of siding needed to fulfill Michigan’s annual construction demand is approximately 1.5 million to 2.7 million m2.
4.1.5 Paint
In 2020, 5.016 billion liters of paint were produced in the United States (). Over 57% were used in architectural and decorative applications. Acrylic paints are the market leader in the architectural paint segment, accounting for more than 42.0% of the overall use (). Acrylic paints cover about 5 m2/L for double coat applications (), were used in the baseline home. It is a water-based paint utilizing acrylic polymer emulsion as its binder. This composition gives acrylic paint its notable quick-drying characteristic, durability, and resistance to fading (). 1,825 m2 of the interior walls and ceilings required about 485 kg of paint for double coat application.
The demand for low-embodied carbon paints is rising, driving growth in the waterborne paints and coatings market (). Over the past decade, the paint industry’s sustainability efforts have expanded from focusing on individual products to encompassing the entire supply chain (), influenced by the increasing adoption of eco-friendly paints and stricter environmental regulations (). This industry-wide shift emphasizes minimizing toxic elements and transitioning from solvent-based to water-based products (). Research has identified two notable strategies for boosting low carbon footprint: first, the exploration of alternative raw material sources by substituting standard paint components (like TiO2 and synthetic additives) with organic-based alternatives, and second, the conversion of waste paint into new paint products (). To reduce the embodied carbon intensity of conventional paint, the proposed alternative in the current research was to use acrylic paint made of 55% virgin raw materials and 45% post-consumer and unused paints from construction sites (). This approach reportedly resulted in a 45% reduction in embodied carbon intensity. Consequently, for 485 kg of paint used, this method reduced the overall carbon footprint to 1,172 kg of CO2e. The carbon footprint of the surplus paint allocated to recycling is only transportation of the paint to paint to the processing facility and thereafter.
Major paint companies are currently focused on creating non-toxic, eco-friendly paints (). Alongside this shift, there is a growing need to address paint recycling, as leftover paint significantly contributes to household hazardous waste (). Effective recycling methods are crucial for repurposing or responsibly disposing of these paints, supporting the industry’s move towards environmentally friendly products. Technical solutions were discussed to be potentially replicable at an industrial scale to recycle unused paint (). Additionally, EPD for paint made from post-consumer paints was published (). Despite the growing interest in recycling post-consumer unused paint, research indicates that the literature is still limited (). Thus, the TRL of these recycling technologies is currently evaluated at level 5, indicating that they are in mid-stage development.
To project future paint requirements, each square meter of a home’s floor area was assumed to correspond to 4 ( ± 30%) m2 of wall and ceiling area. Therefore, each square meter of the home would require approximately 0.8 ( ± 30%) liters or ∼1 kg of paint. For 18,900 homes with an average 160 m2 floor area, approximately 2.5 ( ± 30%) million liters or 3,300± 30% tonnes of paint would be needed. In the United States, about 10% of architectural paint sold remains unused, and with 1.23 billion liters acrylic paint produced annually (; ), this results in approximately 123 million liters (∼165,000 tonnes) of waste paint. For making new paint mixtures with 45% post-consumer recycled content to meet Michigan’s annual residential construction requirement, the required waste acrylic paint is estimated at 1,500 ( ± 30%) tonnes.
4.1.6 Expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation
Recent research highlights the significant role of insulation materials in a building’s embodied carbon, with certain types being more carbon-intensive (; ; ). The baseline home considered in the study used four types of insulation: cellulose fiber in the attic, mineral wool batts in the walls, high-density plastic wrap externally, and polystyrene foam in the basement slab. However, the current study adopts a targeted approach to analyzing alternatives. Given that cellulose fiber and mineral wool batts are already recognized for their lower embodied carbon (), and the contribution of the plastic wrap to the overall Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the building was less than 0.05%, only EPS was considered for finding alternatives. With 376,840 tonnes of EPS produced in the United States in 2023 (), the study focuses on EPS insulation, emphasizing its significant potential for reducing GWP in light of its increasing market demand. Figure 4 shows the embodied carbon intensities of all types of insulation under consideration in the baseline home.
FIGURE 4
In Metro Detroit’s Climate Zone 5A, basements require insulation with a minimum R-value of R-10 (). The baseline home used two 38 mm thick EPS foam insulation boards in the basement slab to comply with the regulation, achieving an overall R-value of about 10 (). The basement, constituting 12% of the house’s total area (approximately 32 m2), required 33 kg of EPS insulation. The current study proposed using recycled EPS foam to reduce embodied carbon. Replacing 45% of virgin materials with recycled EPS reduced the carbon footprint by 40.7%, making it 86.7 kg CO2 e for 33 kg of insulation. If 100% recycled EPS was used, the reduction in embodied carbon intensity could reach approximately 82.5%, lowering the carbon footprint to 25.36 kg CO2 e for the same amount of insulation.
To estimate Michigan’s future EPS insulation demand, around 20% of homes in the state were considered to have basements (). With an annual construction of about 18,900 new houses at an average size of 160 m2, this translates to approximately 3,800 homes with basements. Assuming the basement constitutes about 12.5% (with a ± 2.5% variation) of the total floor area of the area, each basement would average 20 ( ± 20%) m2. If at least R-10 EPS insulation was used in the basement slabs, the yearly requirement is estimated to be 7.75 ( ± 20%) tonnes of EPS foam. In 2019, the United States recycled 19,685 tons of post-consumer EPS insulation and 41,000 tons of post-industrial EPS insulation (). With an annual recycling rate of at least 60,000 tonnes, this could suffice for the just one state’s 100% recycled EPS foam needs, this requirement has to be extended to suffice the nation’s need.
4.1.7 Windows
The baseline home incorporated PVC window frames and sash with double glazing. However, replacing these with wooden frames, a mature technology at TRL 9, resulted in a 15% reduction in embodied carbon intensity. This change lowered the carbon footprint of 35 m2 of windows to 1,185 kg CO2e. Further improvements in carbon reduction are anticipated by using recycled glass. The market for wooden windows and doors in the United States peaked in 2020 and was expected to grow by nearly 1.5% annually (). The demand for windows varies greatly and is specific to each project. Hence a future projection of window usage has not been established.
4.2 Discussion
This study focused on materials with high embodied carbon, such as concrete, steel, gypsum, vinyl, paint, windows, and insulation, underscoring their significant impact on the overall carbon footprint of a single-family home. This work has demonstrated that replacing traditional materials with suitable alternatives could lead to embodied carbon emission reductions between 19% and 39%. Figure 5 presents an overview of individual material contributions to the total embodied carbon for three different cases. It is important to note that material replacements were selected such that the buildings’ structural integrity or functionality was not compromised. When the current landscape of alternative construction materials is scrutinized, it becomes apparent that several high-potential materials are in their infancy, with production quantities that are not yet on par with market demand. For instance, although highly effective in carbon reduction, mineralized-CO2 aggregates are currently produced only in very limited quantities. Table 5 summarizes the current production capacities of various alternatives throughout the United States and the projected estimates required to meet Michigan’s annual demand.
FIGURE 5
TABLE 5
| Material | Nationwide current availability | Notes | Source | aEstimate for Michigan’s yearly residential construction demand of (3 million m2) | Assumptions used in projections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Ash | ∼25.4 M t | ∼16,000 ( ± 20%) t | 50% SCM in the concrete mix where 20% is fly ash | ||
| Slag | ∼2.6 M t | ∼24,000 ( ± 20%) t | 50% SCM in the concrete mix where 30% is fly ash | ||
| CSC | One example: Solidia (producer of CSC) partnered with Holcim. Production in the pilot stage | ∼29,000 ( ± 20%) t | 50% Solidia CSC as a substitute for OPC and retaining the traditional SCM content in the NRMCA midwestern benchmark mix | ||
| Mineralized-CO2 aggregates | One example: Blue Planet is in partnership with Sulzer Chemicals with the first production plant in the San Francisco Bay area. Production in the pilot stage, | ∼500,000 ( ± 20%) t | Substitute traditional fine and coarse aggregates in the NRMCA midwestern benchmark mix | ||
| EAF steel | ∼8 M t | Reinforcing steel (recycled content >97%) | ; | ∼23,000 ( ± 36%) t | 100% EAF steel made with over 90% recycled content |
| exceeded 6.1 M t | Structural steel (2017) (recycled content >93%) | ||||
| Production capacity >9 M t | |||||
| FGD Gypsum | 17.86 M t | Production in 2021 | ∼165,000 t | Gypsum board made of 100% FGD board | |
| Gypsum board recycling | 720,000 t | At least 3.6 M t of plasterboard debris annually produced and about 20% is recycled into new plasterboards | (; ) | ∼180,000 t | Projected values from documented plasterboard waste produced |
| Wooden flooringc | 164.0 M m2 | In the US, new construction accounts for 95.4 million m2 of engineered wooden flooring | ∼1.5–2.7 M m2 | Assuming 50%–90% of the total floor area is covered with flooring material | |
| Sidingc | 258 M m2 | Demand for vinyl siding in US by 2024 | ∼1.5–2.7 M m2 | Assuming wall area of the house is about is 50%–90% of the total floor area | |
| Post-consumer recycled paintc | ∼165,000 t | 1.23 billion liters of acrylic paint produced in the US could produce about 123 million liters (∼165,000 tonnes) of waste paint at 10% wastage | (; ) | ∼2,700 ( ± 35%) t | 45% recycled content used in the new paint mixture. Assuming every m2 of home would correspond to 7.5 ( ± 35%) m2 of wall and ceiling area that needs painting |
| Recycled EPS insulationc | At least 60,000 t | 2019, in US, 19,685 tons of post-consumer EPS and 41,000 tons of post-industrial EPS insulation was recycled | ∼4 ( ± 30%) t | 20% homes have a basement |
Current production capacity of the low embodied carbon options and projected estimate to meet Michigan’s annual material demand (M = Million, t = metric tonnes, ∼ = approximately).
The provided estimates are based on certain assumptions (ex: trends on housing permits previously issues) and should be viewed as approximate figures. Actual requirements may significantly differ, subject to the specific design and specifications of each project.
The estimated quantity of waste gypsum is based on the projected number of houses that might be built in Michigan, derived from the number of housing permits issued. However, the amount of waste will depend on the specific usage in each construction project.
Future projections are based purely on assumption, thus making the values highly variable.
The transition to low-carbon alternatives is not without its challenges, as indicated by the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) summary table (Table 6) and the quadrant graph (Figure 6) provided in the study. These analytical tools reveal a nuanced landscape where some materials demonstrate high carbon savings yet have a lower TRL, reflecting an emergent market availability and technological maturity stage. This disparity underscores the necessity for targeted investments and intensified research and development efforts to enhance such materials’ scalability and market penetration.
TABLE 6
| Proposed alternative | Notes | TRL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Substituting OPC with 20% Fly ash and 30% Slag | Mix design per NRMCA 3000-50FA/SL | 9 |
| Substituting OPC with 50% Solidia Cement | Hypothetical design mix modified based on midwestern benchmark mix | 7 | |
| Substituting 100% traditional fine and coarse aggregates with Blue Planet aggregates | Substitution in the midwestern benchmark mix | 6 | |
| Steel | 100% EAF Steel | At least 90% feedstock is recycled steel | 9 |
| Gypsum | Replacing natural gypsum with 100% FGD gypsum | 9 | |
| Recycling gypsum board | The calcined gypsum is salvaged once the paper backing is removed | 9 | |
| Vinyl | Engineered wooden floor | 9 | |
| Engineered wooden siding | 9 | ||
| Paint | Recycled paint | Paint mixture with 45% post-consumer recycled content | 5 |
| EPS Insulation | Partially recycled EPS insulation | 45% recycled foam | 9 |
| Fully recycled EPS insulation | 100% recycled foam | 9 | |
| Windows | Wooden windows frames and sash | 9 |
TRL of the various like-for-like alternatives proposed in the study.
FIGURE 6
4.2.1 High impact, early development technologies (low TRL, high carbon savings)
Mineralized-CO2 aggregates, exhibiting a remarkable potential for embodied carbon reduction, are currently in their developmental infancy. Their substantial environmental promise necessitates focused efforts to enhance their technological readiness. This advancement could be significantly bolstered by development funding, strategic partnerships, and the formulation of policies that actively encourage using such materials.
4.2.2 Established and effective technologies (high TRL, high carbon savings)
Fully recycled EPS insulation stands out as a leading example in low-carbon construction materials, offering significant carbon savings and high technological readiness. This material sets a benchmark in combining environmental benefit and practical utility in the building sector. The key challenge and opportunity with fully recycled EPS insulation lies in expanding its adoption. This adoption could be strengthened by bolstering consumer education and reinforcing supply chain sustainability.
4.2.3 Mature Technologies with Room for Improvement (High TRL, Lower Carbon Savings)
Utilizing Coal Combustion Product (CCP) by-products in concrete mix and gypsum boards, along with technologies like wooden windows and partially recycled EPS foam, are already well-integrated in the market, though they offer moderate levels of carbon savings. Some mature technologies like engineered wooden siding and recycled gypsum board do not demonstrate any carbon savings. The primary focus for these technologies should pivot towards incremental innovation. This involves optimizing production processes by incorporating renewable energy sources, employing low-emission transportation methods, and enhancing material properties through advanced material science.
4.2.4 Emerging technologies with limited impact (low TRL, low carbon savings)
CSC used with OPC and SCM and using post-consumer recycled paint to produce fresh paint mixtures are characterized by low TRLs and carbon savings. These technologies are in the early stages of development and have not yet realized their full potential for carbon reduction. Development should be two-pronged: refining the technology for readiness and scalability and innovating within it for greater environmental impact. This involves optimizing production processes by incorporating renewable energy sources, employing low-emission transportation methods, enhancing material properties through advanced material science, leveraging recycling technology advancements, improving supply chain logistics for waste materials, and developing better formulations. These steps can boost both the TRL and carbon savings potential of these materials.
5 Conclusion
The study evaluated the carbon footprint of conventional materials used in the construction of a 265 m2 single-family home, which resulted in an embodied carbon footprint of approximately 28,450 kg CO2e, or 107.35 kg CO2e/m2. The substitution of these materials with established low embodied carbon alternatives resulted in a significant decrease in the home’s embodied carbon footprint to around 17,300 kg CO2e, or roughly 65.3 kg CO2e/m2 as demonstrated in Figure 5. Although the production of most alternative materials in the United States is sufficient to meet the imminent demands of Michigan’s construction sector, innovative alternatives in the concrete industry—which significantly affect environmental impact—have not yet achieved the necessary scale of production. Recycled EPS insulation is one material that is technologically mature and is able to reduce around 80% of the carbon footprint of the EPS insulation compared to virgin EPS insulation. But most high TRL like-for-like sustainable substitutes show less than 50% reduction in embodied carbon compared to their conventional counterparts.
The task ahead involves a concerted effort to bridge the gap between current production capacities and the prospective demand from Michigan, further the Midwest and the country’s robust construction sector. While the substitutes are well established in the market, effort must be underpinned by strategic investments in technology, targeted research to enhance material properties and production processes, and policy frameworks that incentivize the adoption of alternative materials and reducing the embodied carbon of widely adopted substitutes. By doing so, the construction industry can significantly contribute to the states, and indeed the nation’s, carbon reduction targets, setting a benchmark for alternative practices in residential building projects. There’s a wide range of opportunities in the low-embodied carbon materials sector. High-impact, early-stage technologies need extensive research and development for market readiness. For novel materials like mineralized CO2 aggregates and CSC, steps like financial incentives, building code modifications, and concrete PCR incorporating CCUS are crucial so that relevant EPDs could be produced to aid procurement. Established technologies should focus on market expansion to become the norm. Mature but less effective technologies require targeted innovation.
Statements
Data availability statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Author contributions
SR: Writing–review and editing, Writing–original draft, Visualization, Software, Methodology, Investigation, Formal Analysis, Data curation, Conceptualization. SM: Writing–review and editing, Validation, Supervision, Resources, Methodology, Conceptualization. VS: Writing–review and editing, Validation, Supervision, Resources, Project administration.
Funding
The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the Global CO2 Initiative at the University of Michigan.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.
Publisher’s note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Summary
Keywords
whole building life cycle assessment (WBLCA), alternative construction materials, technology readiness level (TRL), cradle-to-construction-site-gate, embodied carbon, LCA, house
Citation
Ranganath S, McCord S and Sick V (2024) Assessing the maturity of alternative construction materials and their potential impact on embodied carbon for single-family homes in the American Midwest. Front. Built Environ. 10:1384191. doi: 10.3389/fbuil.2024.1384191
Received
08 February 2024
Accepted
28 March 2024
Published
19 April 2024
Volume
10 - 2024
Edited by
Fatemeh Pariafsai, Texas A and M University, United States
Reviewed by
Roberto Minunno, Curtin University, Australia
Roksana Jahan Tumpa, Central Queensland University, Australia
Faezeh Salehi, Texas A and M University, United States
Updates
Copyright
© 2024 Ranganath, McCord and Sick.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Sindhuja Ranganath, sindhurp@umich.edu
Disclaimer
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.