Energy, Carbon Emissions and Sustainability of Construction Materials and Buildings

This chapter deals with energy, carbon emissions and sustainability of construction sector. A detailed analysis of energy and carbon emissions in stabilised earth products and buildings is made. The sustainability and greenness of construction materials and building systems has been analysed. Material and energy resource consumption in the construction sector is presented. The relevance of rating systems in defining sustainable construction and effectiveness of rating systems is discussed. In the business as usual scenario the construction sector is surviving on mined materials, which is unsustainable. Due attention should be paid in evolving the renewable construction materials and recycling of non organic solid wastes. The chapter ends with a question on sustainability of green buildings.