A Diverse Perspective on Embodied Carbon Analysis for Structural System Selection

We know that decisions on building materials and systems have a significant impact on a building’s overall emissions, but how do these decisions weigh against factors like cost, schedule, and aesthetics?

Join our next member webinar for a discussion with our partners at DPR Construction to dive into the findings of their recent study comparing various structural systems, as well as key factors for any project team to consider when evaluating design decisions around structural system preferences.

Speakers: 

• Marshall Andrews – Northwest Sustainability Leader
• Monica Chhatwani – Decarbonization Program Leader
• Scott Brown – National Mass Timber SME
• Mika Reckers – National Prefabrication Preconstruction Leader

Learning objectives:

• Attendees will learn strategies in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and structural system material selection relevant to LEED & WELL Certifications (LEED v4.1 BD+C MR Credit – Building Life-cycle Impact reduction; WELL v2 Innovation Credits – Carbon Inventory, Carbon Reduction Goal & Carbon Reduction). 
• Attendees will understand our comparison of 5 different structural systems using LCA, the limitations of analysis tools, and available data such as product specific EPDs. 
• Attendees will learn about the owner’s, designer’s, and contractor’s perspectives when evaluating key design decisions around structural system preferences. 
• Attendees will gain knowledge around each structural system’s benefits, and a clear understanding of how to evaluate them (using Choosing By Advantages, CBA) for their projects.