Attempts at low carbon dioxide construction: successes, failures and the way forward

Many public-sector construction clients and their civil and structural engineering consultants are trying to address the climate emergency, but with varying degrees of success. Ambitions include reusing structures and selecting construction materials with low or negative carbon dioxide emissions. This paper evaluates attempts at low carbon dioxide design in typical building and civil engineering projects, including using local hardwood for structural purposes. It concludes that while major opportunities exist in many projects to lower the structure’s embodied carbon dioxide, misconceptions and commercial realities can get in the way. Suggested actions for civil engineers and others are proposed.