Key Takeaways
Consolidate your learning and test your understanding
Your Progress
Section 5 of 5What You've Learned
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Embodied Carbon Matters
- •11% of global emissions from cement, steel, aluminum production
- •As grids decarbonize, embodied carbon becomes 50%+ of lifecycle total
- •Upfront emissions matter NOW—no time for "payback periods"
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Material Substitutes Exist
- •Recycled steel: 81% reduction, often cost-competitive
- •Mass timber: carbon-negative, replaces steel/concrete
- •Geopolymer concrete: 64% reduction, commercial scale
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Circular Economy Wins
- •Design for disassembly enables 80-95% material recovery
- •Material passports track composition for future reuse
- •Reuse retains 10× more value than recycling
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Action Hierarchy
- 1.Reduce: Use less material (efficiency, design)
- 2.Substitute: Switch to low-carbon alternatives
- 3.Circulate: Reuse, recycle, regenerate
Test Your Knowledge
1
What is the primary driver of embodied carbon in buildings?
2
Which material substitution offers the HIGHEST carbon reduction?
3
In a circular economy, what percentage of construction materials can be recovered?
4
For a 5000 m² office building over 50 years, which carbon source is larger?
5
Which circular strategy has the HIGHEST value retention?
Continue Your Learning
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Module Complete!
You've mastered low-carbon materials. Ready to apply your knowledge to real-world projects!