Decarbonizing Building Materials, EPDs, and Pilot Projects

Presented by Annette Stump and Alison Young, hosted by Jessica Winningham.
This presentation on reducing embodied carbon and using EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) for construction materials. They provide an overview of policy goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lifecycle analysis tools, using EPDs, pilot projects, and challenges. Strategies include using lower carbon materials like mass timber, getting EPDs for materials, doing whole building LCAs, and updating specifications. Key challenges are lack of standardization for EPDs, establishing baselines, and integrating EPD use into processes. Pilot projects like JBLM redesigned a barracks using 30% less brick, higher insulation, and lower carbon concrete and steel.