Can Low-Carbon Construction Materials Lower Building Costs?

A new report from Clean Energy Canada suggests that using lower-carbon materials and smarter design can reduce construction emissions without increasing costs. Case studies show that some projects, including apartment buildings and roads, actually saw total costs drop while emissions decreased significantly. Key materials identified include steel from electric arc furnaces, reclaimed asphalt, and concrete that uses industrial byproducts to replace cement. The report advocates for 'Buy Clean' procurement policies to help domestic manufacturers compete in a growing global market for sustainable building materials.