Global Supply Chain Analysis
Mapping the carbon footprint of global material transportation and logistics
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Section 3 of 5The Hidden Cost of Global Trade
Modern construction relies on materials sourced from around the world. Steel from Brazil, aluminum from Iceland, cement from China - each material travels thousands of kilometers before reaching the construction site. This global supply chain adds significant embodied carbon through transportation and logistics.
The choice of transport mode dramatically affects carbon emissions. Sea freight is the most efficient for bulk materials, while air freight can be 100 times more carbon-intensive. Understanding these trade-offs is essential for sustainable material sourcing and construction practices.
Supply Chain Carbon Facts
- • Global shipping emits 1 Gt CO₂e annually (3% of global emissions)
- • Construction materials travel average 5,000-10,000 km
- • Transport can add 10-30% to total embodied carbon
- • Local sourcing reduces transport emissions by 80-95%
Interactive Global Supply Chain Carbon Map
🌍 Global Supply Chain Routes for Portland Cement
Limestone & Clay11,500 km
China → USA
Finished Cement2,200 km
Turkey → Germany
Specialty Cement11,500 km
China → USA
Average transport distance: 8400 km across 3 routes
Transport Mode Carbon Impact
🚢
sea
20 kg
CO₂e per kg material
✈️
air
500 kg
CO₂e per kg material
🚛
road
50 kg
CO₂e per kg material
🚂
rail
0 kg
CO₂e per kg material