Investigating the impact of low-carbon building materials on energy consumption and carbon emissions in construction projects

Abstract This study evaluates the effects of using low-carbon materials, including recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, and sustainable timber, in three large-scale projects (45 000 ± 5000 m2, 2020–2023). Energy monitoring and carbon assessments followed ISO standards and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol over a 50-year lifecycle. Using low-carbon materials reduced construction energy consumption by 22.3% (material processing savings: 27.4%) and carbon emissions by 29.8% (95% CI: 23.5%–36.1%). Life cycle assessment showed a 20.3% decrease in energy demand and a 26.9% reduction in global warming potential. Results were statistically significant (P < .001, Cohen’s d > 0.8).