Carbon Footprint and Economic Implications of Construction Materials for Green Building Development: A Sustainability Assessment

Abstract

The contribution of construction materials to greenhouse gas emissions is relatively high and the economic implications are vital to green building development in Nigeria. Data on the carbon footprint of key construction materials is yet fully available in Nigeria. This study assessed the carbon footprint of reinforcing steel, sandcrete block, cement, sand, granite and concrete with a view to highlighting their environmental impact and economic implications. The study used a narrative literature review to synthesis themes for a sustainability analysis to draw conclusion. Results show that cement and concrete are the dominant sources of carbon emissions in the construction sector with 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing 40% of global carbon dioxide discharge, with 60% from cement alone. Other materials have significantly less emissions but equally contribute to global greenhouse gas emission. Findings also reveals that there is modest cost savings on construction materials resulting in reduce carbon emissions in cement, concrete, and sandcrete block when alternative materials are employed in the production process. This process can result in a reduction of 7% of the total cost while reducing indicators of global warming and promoting green building development.