#USA #West Chester #ClarkDietrich #Embodied Carbon #Steel Framing

ClarkDietrich Launches an Embodied Carbon Calculator

In a significant advancement for sustainable construction practices, ClarkDietrich, North America's leading manufacturer of cold-formed steel framing and accessories, has introduced a revolutionary digital tool designed to swiftly estimate the embodied carbon associated with both structural and non-structural steel-framed walls. This new tool, named the Embodied Carbon Calculator (ECC), is now available for free on the company’s official website, making it easier than ever for architects, specifiers, and contractors to assess their carbon footprint while choosing framing options.

A Tool for Sustainable Choices

The introduction of the ECC comes as a response to the growing demand for sustainability-focused solutions in the building industry. Adam Shoemaker, the business development director for ClarkDietrich, highlighted the significance of this tool, stating, "When we launched our line of low embodied carbon (LEC) steel framing last year, we received tremendous feedback from constructing teams nationwide eager to meet their carbon reduction goals. With this calculator, assessing these options has become more streamlined and accessible for teams aiming to enhance their green initiatives."

The calculator works by allowing users to input specific wall dimensions along with various framing details such as stud spacing, bracing, and track size. Once these inputs are entered, the tool calculates the total weight of steel utilized, providing an instant conversion of this weight into embodied carbon values measured by Global Warming Potential (GWP). Users can easily compare the embodied carbon between standard framing and LEC framing, presented in kilograms of CO2 equivalent per metric ton of steel along with percentage savings.

Contextualizing Carbon Savings

To provide users with a clear understanding of the significance of these carbon savings, the calculator includes comparative statistics that relate these figures to everyday experiences. For example, the tool illustrates that 100,000 kg of CO2e is akin to burning over 11,000 gallons of gasoline. This data, derived from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, assists architects and builders in communicating their sustainable practices' impact through relatable metrics.

The Embodied Carbon Calculator forms an integral part of ClarkDietrich’s comprehensive iTools program, which aims to support the building community in making environmentally conscious choices.

Pioneering the Future of Building

ClarkDietrich’s commitment to sustainability is evident not only in the development of advanced tools like the ECC but also in their dedication to producing high-quality framing solutions. The company, widely recognized for its extensive array of products ranging from drywall studs to metal lath, continues to lead the cold-formed steel framing sector in North America. Collaboratively operating through a joint venture with Marubeni-Itochu Steel America Inc. and Worthington Enterprises, Inc., ClarkDietrich remains poised to engineer the future of construction with sustainability at its core.

For those keen to explore the carbon impacts of their building choices, visit itools.clarkdietrich.com to start calculating and enhancing your projects’ sustainability efforts.

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As the industry continues to look for ways to reduce its overall environmental impact, tools like the Embodied Carbon Calculator from ClarkDietrich represent a major step forward in making informed, sustainable design choices. Ultimately, these initiatives are not just beneficial for meeting regulatory standards; they also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations, aligning with the broader goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship in the building sector.