Evaluating Embodied Carbon And Circularity In Construction: A Case Study of Concrete Data From 65+ North American Projects

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Acevedo Barradas, Steffi Karine
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The built environment plays a significant role in climate change, contributing nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—much of which stems from the materials used and ultimately discarded during construction and at building end-of-life. This thesis investigates the embodied carbon of building materials, with a focus on concrete, and explores how circular strategies can support carbon reduction in the commercial construction sector. Through a combination of industry analyses, select literature review, and the application of the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI), this research analyzes and evaluates both the embodied carbon intensity and circularity potential of concrete. Results confirm that concrete is the largest contributor to embodied carbon in buildings. While circularity strategies, such as the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), show some potential material benefits, they do not meaningfully reduce GHG emissions due to the dominant role of cement in concrete’s carbon profile. Therefore, reducing embodied carbon in concrete requires a multifaceted approach that includes material substitution in cement and aggregate, design efficiency, and optimization of regional transportation logistics. Overall, the present study emphasizes the value of industry-academic collaboration and transparent data sharing. Stronger partnerships among contractors, researchers, and policymakers are essential to expand life cycle assessments (LCA) practices, set benchmarks, and accelerate the construction industry’s transition toward low-carbon and circular solutions.
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2025-04-25
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