Construction is responsible for nearly 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. This figure includes operational emissions, such as energy used to heat and cool buildings, and embodied carbon, which stems from material production, transportation, and installation. For developers and contractors, addressing these challenges is critical to meeting environmental goals and aligning with global sustainability standards.

Reducing carbon emissions requires a multifaceted strategy. Targeted decisions, from selecting low-carbon materials to rethinking construction processes, can have measurable impacts. Developers and contractors play pivotal roles in driving these changes, influencing how buildings are designed, constructed, and performed over their lifecycle.

Material choices significantly affect a building's carbon footprint. Across all project stages, adopting sustainable materials can reduce carbon emissions by an average of 27-35%. For instance, a widely used material, concrete, is responsible for around 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions due to its energy-intensive production process. Opting for alternatives such as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), which consumes 60% less embodied energy and emits 55% fewer greenhouse gases during production, or Coal Ash Gangue Hollow Bricks with 60% repurposed ash content, can cut emissions by 30-50 percent compared to traditional options.

AAC, for........

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