Sustainability and structures: A life cycle analysis of common building materials

If architecture reflects the values of its culture, then our values are consumption with little respect for the natural environment. Worldwide buildings consume 40% of global energy, 40% of global resources, 25% of global freshwater, and contribute. 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative) The building industry as a whole puts too large of an impact on the environment. Thus, as is an increasing common notion with the trade's forward thinkers, a shift of focus and priorities is required. Sustainability is the term used to conceptualize an improved approach to design, construction, operation, and deconstruction. Accordingly, the following thesis focuses on sustainability in structures. Similar to the very nature of sustainability, which is holistic and integrated between multiple disciplines, the following is intended for all persons in the building trade — designers, builders, developers, etc. It includes a discussion of sustainability as a concept, an analysis of planetary boundaries, a summary of leading green rating systems, an argument for life cycle analysis, a report on building materials in the context of sustainability, and an exploration of sustainable strategies.