The environmental impacts of using traditional materials versus composite materials in university construction are important to think about. Let's break it down simply.

Traditional Materials

1. Concrete

   • CO2 Emissions: Making cement, which is a big part of concrete, releases a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2). In fact, about 8% of all CO2 emissions in the world come from cement making. Every time one ton of cement is produced, it releases about 0.85 tons of CO2.
   • Resource Depletion: Getting raw materials like limestone for concrete can damage nature and hurt wildlife.

2. Steel

   • Energy Use: Producing steel needs a lot of energy. For example, making one ton of steel emits about 1.8 tons of CO2.
   • Recycling Benefits: On the bright side, steel can be recycled. About 90% of steel used in construction comes from recycled materials, which means less need to gather new resources.

3. Wood

   • Sustainability Issues: Wood is renewable, but if trees are cut down unsustainably, it leads to deforestation. This makes it harder for the earth to absorb CO2. Around 15% of global CO2 emissions come from cutting down forests.
   • Life Cycle Impact: Wood can store carbon throughout its lifetime, potentially holding about 1.1 billion tons of CO2.

Composite Materials

1. Lower Carbon Footprint

   • Composites, like fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), use less energy to make compared to traditional materials. This means they produce less CO2.
   • For example, using FRP can lighten building structures by up to 70% compared to steel. That helps lower the impact of transporting and handling materials.

2. Durability and Longevity

   • Composites usually last longer and need less maintenance. This reduces the energy and materials needed over time.
   • FRP products can last more than 50 years, which means there’s less need to replace them and less resource use overall.

Summary

In short, traditional materials usually lead to higher carbon emissions and greater environmental harm due to how they are made and sourced. On the other hand, composite materials can help lower energy use and emissions. Moving toward more sustainable building practices is vital for making university buildings better for the environment.