This evaluation shows reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions from low-carbon materials in large projects, suggesting sustainable practices boost environmental benefits.
This study evaluates the effects of using low-carbon materials, including recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, and sustainable timber, in three large-scale projects (45 000 ± 5000 m2, 2020–2023). Energy monitoring and carbon assessments followed ISO standards and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol over a 50-year lifecycle. Using low-carbon materials reduced construction energy consumption by 22.3% (material processing savings: 27.4%) and carbon emissions by 29.8% (95% CI: 23.5%–36.1%). Life cycle assessment showed a 20.3% decrease in energy demand and a 26.9% reduction in global warming potential. Results were statistically significant (P < .001, Cohen’s d > 0.8).
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Aldersoni et al. (2025) studied this question.
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