Low Carbon Solutions

Low Carbon Solutions Advisory: Green Building Materials and Construction

At SSTC, we understand the vast opportunities to reduce carbon emissions in the construction and infrastructure sectors, which are among the highest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Our Low Carbon Solutions Advisory services are designed to help businesses in the building and construction industry integrate sustainable, low-carbon practices into every aspect of their projects, from material selection to construction processes. With a focus on reducing the carbon footprint of materials and utilizing life-cycle thinking, we ensure our clients make informed, sustainable choices that align with global climate goals.

Overview

The building and construction industry can significantly lower its carbon impact by using low-carbon building materials (such as cement, concrete, steel, and ceramics) and optimizing construction practices. Our advisory services help clients prioritize sustainability, ensure compliance with green building standards, and incorporate Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) into their decision-making process. EPDs provide detailed insights into the environmental impact of materials, supporting transparency and enabling informed decisions to reduce overall carbon emissions.

SSTC’s Low Carbon Solutions Advisory focuses on:

➺ Assist clients in selecting and sourcing low-carbon materials.

➺ Conduct carbon footprint assessments for sustainable decision-making.

➺ Design energy-efficient, environmentally responsible buildings.

➺ Support project certification and compliance with green building standards.

➺ Provide guidance on effective carbon offset strategies.

➺ Incorporate EPDs to clearly and credibly communicate environmental impacts.

Key Components of Our Low Carbon Solutions Advisory

8.1 Low-Carbon Material Selection and Sourcing

We assist clients in selecting low-carbon alternatives to traditional building materials, focusing on reducing embodied carbon and improving sustainability. Materials include:

➺ Promote low-carbon cement and concrete through geopolymer cement, recycled aggregates, and sustainable alternatives.

➺ Prioritize energy-efficient steel manufacturing and low-emission ceramic production.

➺ Recommend bio-based insulation and sustainably sourced timber for reduced carbon footprints.

8.2 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

At SSTC, our approach to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) involves a systematic and transparent process to assess, verify, and communicate the environmental impact of building materials. The goal is to ensure our clients can make data-driven decisions to select sustainable materials and meet green building standards. Here’s a streamlined overview of our approach:

➺ Step 1: Gather comprehensive lifecycle data, covering raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal.

➺ Step 2: Calculate key environmental metrics like GWP, embodied carbon, and resource use, ensuring alignment with ISO 14025.

➺ Step 3: Facilitate third-party verification to ensure compliance with ISO 14025 and Product Category Rules (PCRs).

➺ Step 4: Assist in publishing verified EPDs on industry databases and certification portals for transparency and informed decision-making.

8.3 Designing Low-Carbon, Energy-Efficient Buildings

SSTC collaborates with architects and engineers to integrate low-carbon design principles into building projects. This includes:

➺ Passive Design: Utilize natural resources like sunlight and wind to minimize energy demand efficiently.

➺ High-Performance Insulation: Select materials and systems that effectively reduce energy loss.

➺ Energy-Efficient Systems: Implement LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and smart building technologies for optimized energy use.

➺ Green Certifications: Support clients in achieving LEED and other sustainability-aligned certifications.

8.4 Sustainable Construction Practices

We guide clients in adopting sustainable construction processes to further reduce emissions during the building phase, including:

➺ Waste Reduction: Implement strategies to minimize construction waste through reuse and recycling programs.

➺ Low-Emission Equipment: Recommend machinery and equipment with low-emission engines to reduce site emissions.

➺ Modular & Prefabricated Construction: Promote these methods to reduce material waste and enhance energy efficiency.

8.5 Carbon Offset Strategies

For projects that have unavoidable emissions, SSTC helps clients identify and invest in high-quality carbon offsets to balance emissions from construction processes and operations. These offsets support sustainable projects worldwide, such as forest conservation, renewable energy, and other climate mitigation initiatives.

Impact to Our Clients

SSTC’s Low Carbon Solutions Advisory delivers valuable benefits to businesses in the construction and real estate sectors by enabling them to integrate low-carbon solutions that support both environmental and financial sustainability. Through our advisory services, clients can:

➺ Lower Carbon Emissions: Reduce the carbon footprint of building materials and construction processes, contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

➺ Achieve Green Building Certifications: Obtain certifications like LEED to enhance credibility and attract environmentally conscious stakeholders.

➺ Access Cost Savings: Benefit from long-term energy savings, reduced waste, and lower operational costs with energy-efficient materials and designs.

➺ Enhance Transparency: Utilize EPDs and life-cycle assessments to clearly communicate environmental impacts, building stakeholder trust and engagement.

➺ Improve Market Competitiveness: Position your organization as a leader in sustainable development, attracting eco-conscious clients, tenants, and investors.

➺ Future-Proof Against Regulations: Stay ahead of evolving sustainability regulations and industry trends to ensure long-term project viability.