The Challenge of Embodied Carbon in Net Zero Cities
As cities around the world commit to ambitious Net Zero policies, the focus often falls on operational carbon — the emissions generated from powering buildings, transportation, and other daily activities. While this focus is critical, it’s only part of the equation. Achieving true sustainability requires addressing embodied carbon, which is the emissions associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of building materials. Low embodied carbon materials are essential to bridging the gap between policy goals and tangible outcomes. The World Economic Forum’s Net Zero Carbon Cities program is an example of a large-scale project that supports private and public Net Zero development.
Embodied carbon accounts for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 28% of building sector emissions annually, according to the World Green Building Council. In urban settings, these emissions present a significant challenge to achieving Net Zero goals. Without addressing the carbon footprint of materials used in construction, cities risk falling short of their climate targets
Why Low Embodied Carbon Materials Matter
Low embodied carbon materials are a fundamental component of climate-conscious construction. By using materials that are recycled, energy-efficient to produce, or designed with durability in mind, cities can drastically reduce their upfront emissions.
- Reduction of Upfront Emissions: Unlike operational carbon, which can be mitigated over time with renewable energy, embodied carbon is locked in once the building is constructed. Choosing materials made from recycled feedstock minimizes this immediate environmental impact.
- Alignment with Circular Economy Principles: Low embodied carbon materials often come from recycled or upcycled sources, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
- Enhanced Building Performance: High performance, low embodied carbon materials lower emissions and contribute to building performance and longevity, reducing the need for repairs and replacements over time.
Glavel: A Partner in Net Zero Cities
Glavel’s foam glass gravel is a product for cities striving to meet Net Zero goals. Lightweight, durable, and manufactured from 100% recycled glass powder with renewable energy, it’s a material designed with the future in mind. Here’s how Glavel supports Net Zero policies:
- Embodied Carbon Reduction: Glavel’s production process focuses on minimizing carbon emissions, ensuring that the material aligns with the stringent requirements of Net Zero construction.
- Thermal Performance: By offering high insulation properties, Glavel helps reduce a building’s operational carbon footprint.
- Sustainability Across Projects: From high performance buildings to bridge abutments, Glavel has been successfully integrated into a range of applications.
The Synergy Between Policies and Materials
Cities with Net Zero policies often adopt green building standards like LEED or Passive House, which emphasize the importance of materials. Glavel’s foam glass gravel not only meets but exceeds many of these standards, making it a natural fit for projects in these cities. By specifying materials like Glavel, municipalities can ensure that their climate goals are backed by actionable strategies. Cities such as Burlington, VT; Northampton, MA; and Ithaca, NY are examples of smaller communities in the Northeast that have set ambitious Net Zero targets. These cities are leading the charge by integrating sustainable building practices and prioritizing the use of low embodied carbon materials in their construction projects. Their commitment demonstrates that meaningful progress toward a low-carbon future isn’t limited to large metropolitan areas—it can thrive in communities of all sizes. Glavel CEO Rob Conboy was featured in Burlington Electric Department’s Net Zero Energy Podcast talking about Glavel and how it supports low embodied carbon goals.
Building Momentum
As architects, developers, and policymakers work to turn net zero policies into reality, the choice of materials will define success. Cities that prioritize low embodied carbon materials send a clear message: sustainability isn’t just about energy efficiency; it’s about building a foundation that supports a low carbon future.
At Glavel, we are proud to partner with cities, builders, and architects who share our vision for a sustainable world.
Building A Sustainable Net Zero Future
As cities pursue ambitious net zero goals, addressing embodied carbon — the emissions tied to building materials — is essential for meaningful progress. Low embodied carbon materials, like Glavel’s foam glass gravel, bridge the gap between policy and impact by reducing upfront emissions, enhancing durability, and aligning with circular economy principles. Discover how sustainable materials can transform cities into models for a low-carbon future.
Building Resilience
Breaking the carbon cycle in construction is key to building climate-resilient communities, requiring a shift to low embodied carbon materials and electrified manufacturing to combat climate change.
Achieving Passive House Standards with Foam Glass Gravel
Foam glass gravel aligns with Passive House principles; its thermal insulation, durability, and recycled content make it an excellent choice for underslab insulation in high performance buildings.
