The purpose of the Carbon Working Group (CWG) is to study the carbon impacts of structural materials and systems and to make recommendations for reducing the carbon footprint of the structural system. The CWG has recently produced a white paper intended primarily for
practicing structural engineers that addresses the following topics.
Download it here.
- Explain the importance of carbon and the meaning of carbon equivalents.
- Describe how, and during which parts of the lifecycle, carbon is embodied in the various primary structural materials (steel, concrete, wood, masonry).
- Discuss how the engineer can impact the carbon footprint of the structural system and building.
- Provide examples of carbon calculations comparing baseline cases and improved cases.
