Sustainable Material Standards
Learn how material selection impacts environmental performance and certification points
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Section 3 of 5Material Selection & Lifecycle Impact
Building materials contribute significantly to a structure's environmental footprint through embodied carbon, resource depletion, and waste generation. Green building standards reward the use of sustainable, recycled, and renewable materials.
Material Priorities
- •Recycled Content: Diverts waste from landfills
- •Renewable Materials: Timber from sustainable forests
- •Low Embodied Carbon: Minimal production emissions
- •Local Sourcing: Reduced transportation impact
Material Comparisons
ConcreteHigh Carbon
0.95 kg CO₂/kg
Mass TimberCarbon Negative
-0.75 kg CO₂/kg
Interactive Material Impact Calculator
Building Material Composition
Conventional Concrete
40%Embodied: 0.95 kg CO₂/kg10% recycled • Non-renewable
Structural Steel
20%Embodied: 2.8 kg CO₂/kg25% recycled • Non-renewable
Mass Timber (CLT)
15%Embodied: -0.75 kg CO₂/kg0% recycled • Renewable
Low-E Glass
10%Embodied: 1.2 kg CO₂/kg20% recycled • Non-renewable
Recycled Materials
15%Embodied: 0.3 kg CO₂/kg90% recycled • Non-renewable
Note: Total should equal 100%. Adjust sliders to explore different material combinations.
Embodied Carbon
9925
kg CO₂
Poor
Recycled Content
25%
Renewable Materials
15%
LEED MR Points
4
out of 14 points
Materials & Resources
Material Environmental Impact
Conventional Concrete40%
Structural Steel20%
Mass Timber (CLT)15%
Low-E Glass10%
Recycled Materials15%
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