PROJECT SUPPORT

CMU Embodied Carbon: Understanding Impacts Through LCA

1.0 PDH

This presentation provides an overview of why CMU assemblies are a low embodied carbon building material. It quantifies concrete masonry’s cradle-to-gate embodied carbon advantages by progressing from simple “mini LCA” wall assembly comparisons to prototype building LCA case studies. The course emphasizes how efficient design strategies, including modular coordination, optimized structure and strategic grout and reinforcement placement, serve as major drivers for both carbon reduction and cost savings. By exploring the intersection of design efficiency with sustainability goals, participants will learn how thoughtful CMU design decisions lower embodied carbon, reduce material usage, and improve project economics simultaneously.

Objectives

  1. Discover the 3 reasons dry-cast concrete masonry units (CMU) are a low embodied carbon concrete, and explore how concrete masonry offers interconnected sustainability strategies.
  2. Compare the cradle-to-gate embodied carbon of several different wall assemblies with simple wall sections.
  3. Investigate the cradle-to-gate embodied carbon of 3 different structural systems, by exploring a prototype mix-used building LCA case study.
  4. Introduce and explore efficient design strategies and discover how these strategies can lower both the embodied carbon and also the cost of a project. 

TAKE COURSE
RELATED RESOURCES
Climate-Responsive Design: Balancing Resilience, Thermal Performance and Embodied Carbon with Concrete Masonry
This course explores how using concrete masonry units (CMU) in the built environment provides an integrated approach to climate-responsive design by simultaneously addressing three critical sustainability strategies: resilience, operational energy use, and embodied carbon reduction. Participants will examine how CMU construction offers inherent solutions to modern building challenges, from natural disasters and extreme weather events to energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction. The course demonstrates that CMU structures perform beyond code requirements without additional measures, providing durable, cost-effective buildings that support community resilience while contributing to low embodied carbon goals.
, , , ,
VIEW RESOURCE
Concrete Masonry: From Manufacturing to Structural Applications
This module explores the fundamentals of concrete masonry construction, beginning with the manufacturing process of concrete masonry units (CMUs) and examining both standard gray block and architectural finishes. Participants will learn about various CMU shapes, sizes, and modular design principles that optimize construction efficiency. The course covers essential structural considerations, including the differences between unit compressive strength and specified masonry assembly strength (f'm), and examines how tall structures can be built using concrete masonry. Additionally, the module introduces efficient design strategies that help reduce both project costs and embodied carbon, making concrete masonry an economical and sustainable building solution.
, , , , ,
VIEW RESOURCE
Concrete Masonry: Inherent Resilience
Concrete masonry construction is resilient on its own, without the need for special provisions or extra fortifying costs, and it doesn't need to be rebuilt after most natural or human-made disasters. Concrete masonry is inherently resilient beyond code requirements. By considering lifecycle costs rather than just initial construction expenses, concrete masonry offers significant advantages, including buildings that can withstand extreme events, reduce recovery costs, and maintain community continuity—qualities that are becoming increasingly important as disasters occur more frequently across all regions of the country.
,
VIEW RESOURCE
CMU Embodied Carbon: Not All Concrete is the Same
This is the first course in our CMU embodied carbon series, focusing on how concrete masonry units (CMU) differ from traditional wet-cast concrete in terms of carbon impact. We will set the stage for the concrete and carbon sequestration discussion by looking at the larger geologic carbon cycle and greenhouse gas emissions; and how it all relates to climate change. We will then look at the concrete carbon cycle and recent CMHA sequestration research and testing which demonstrates the accelerated sequestration rates substantially reducing the overall embodied carbon of dry-cast CMU construction.
VIEW RESOURCE
Core Performance: The 5 Ss of Concrete Masonry
Concrete masonry is commonly used for structural and architectural walls in buildings. Knowing the full extent of its applications and capabilities is important for designers to make resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective buildings. The intent of this course is to provide a general overview of the properties and performance characteristics of concrete masonry walls. Attendees will learn about how to take advantage of and maximize the features and capabilities of concrete masonry units.
, , , , , , , , ,
VIEW RESOURCE

We value your privacy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent.

Reject All
Accept All
Design Assistance