Building Materials for a Better Future

Carbon Emissions: A Global Perspective

Globally, cement and livestock each contribute significantly to carbon emissions. However, in New Zealand, livestock has a disproportionate share (49%), while cement and concrete are responsible for under 2%.

Low-Carbon Concrete: A Sustainable Choice

New Zealand's concrete industry is actively implementing solutions to reduce its emissions footprint. Low-carbon concrete is becoming increasingly prevalent, with examples including the Dunlop Hub in Wānaka and the Waiata Shores development.

Embodied Carbon: A Complex Consideration

"Anyone can approach local concrete manufacturers and specify concrete with lower-embodied emissions," says Concrete New Zealand. "We support the voluntary embodied carbon methodology to consider emissions in building design and material choices." #quote" name="quote">– Unknown

Embodied carbon is not solely an issue for concrete. Timber also has environmental impacts that need to be managed.

Timber's Environmental Impact

Environmental product declarations (EPDs) indicate that timber has potentially greater impacts than concrete on water depletion, embodied energy, particulate matter emissions, eco-toxicity, and soil quality.

Wilding pines, invasive trees originating from New Zealand's primary timber species, pose environmental concerns. Monoculture plantations are less diverse than native forests, negatively impacting biodiversity.

Treatment and Waste: A Hidden Burden

Structural timber requires heavy treatment, sometimes with chemicals banned in other countries. Untreated radiata has a low natural durability, leading to concerns about chemical leaching and waste disposal.

A Level Playing Field for Building Materials

Concrete New Zealand advocates for neutral policy settings that consider embodied emissions and other environmental externalities. Timber's role should be determined by market forces, not preferences.

Addressing the Global Poly-crisis

Facing climate change, water scarcity, pollution, and biodiversity loss, we need resilient construction materials. Concrete and cement are proven to be reliable and durable, contributing to a sustainable future.

We urge informed decisions based on factual evidence to ensure a prosperous future for New Zealand.