Choosing the “right” building materials is a powerful lever for more sustainability and a lower carbon footprint of buildings. These assessments require digital tools – and a digital way of thinking. The Nemetschek Group discusses how digital tools and OPEN BIM can make a difference.
Climate change has been a key focus for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AEC/O) industry for some time. However, recently released figures from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) send a stark warning: the industry is not on track to achieve its 2050 decarbonization targets. According to UNEP’s 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, the sector still accounted for around 37% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions in 2021.
It’s clear that more needs to be done. While no single approach ensures total decarbonization, the environmental impacts of new construction projects need to be assessed at a very early stage in order to minimize the building’s carbon footprint across its entire life cycle. This requires a holistic data management across the whole building lifecycle. Choosing sustainable materials wherever possible is an excellent start. By assessing materials early in the planning process, more sustainable options can be specified which reduce the carbon emissions generated during manufacturing, construction, and operation. Typically, this is done using a life cycle assessment (LCA).
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