Why Using Local Materials is Good for the Environment
Using local materials and choosing the right ones is really important for keeping the earth healthy. Here’s how it helps reduce the carbon footprint, or the amount of harmful gases that buildings give off:
Less Transportation Emissions: When we use local materials, we don’t have to transport them as far. This can cut down the emissions caused by transportation, which usually make up about 20-30% of a material’s total carbon footprint.
Embodied Carbon: Some materials, like concrete, can release a lot of carbon—up to 900 kg of CO2 for every cubic meter. By selecting local and eco-friendly options, we can greatly reduce that number.
Energy Efficiency: Local materials usually need less energy to prepare them for use. In fact, the energy used accounts for about 30-50% of a material’s overall impact on the environment.
In short, using local materials can lower carbon emissions by as much as 40%. This shows just how important it is to think about sustainability when we design buildings.
Why Using Local Materials is Good for the Environment
Using local materials and choosing the right ones is really important for keeping the earth healthy. Here’s how it helps reduce the carbon footprint, or the amount of harmful gases that buildings give off:
Less Transportation Emissions: When we use local materials, we don’t have to transport them as far. This can cut down the emissions caused by transportation, which usually make up about 20-30% of a material’s total carbon footprint.
Embodied Carbon: Some materials, like concrete, can release a lot of carbon—up to 900 kg of CO2 for every cubic meter. By selecting local and eco-friendly options, we can greatly reduce that number.
Energy Efficiency: Local materials usually need less energy to prepare them for use. In fact, the energy used accounts for about 30-50% of a material’s overall impact on the environment.
In short, using local materials can lower carbon emissions by as much as 40%. This shows just how important it is to think about sustainability when we design buildings.