Sustainability is extending beyond operational energy efficiency. Architects increasingly recognize the critical role embodied carbon—the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by manufacturing, transporting, and installing building materials—plays in reducing a building’s overall environmental impact. As the demand for green, sustainable buildings grows, selecting innovative materials that minimize embodied carbon becomes not only beneficial but essential.
GreenGirt CMH™, GreenGirt Steel™, and SMARTci® systems are cutting-edge solutions specifically designed to address this challenge head-on. These systems offer architects the opportunity to substantially reduce embodied carbon emissions without sacrificing performance, durability, or ease of installation. This article outlines how GreenGirt and SMARTci systems reduce embodied carbon with a unique design, ease of installation, and local transportation.
Understanding Embodied Carbon in Architecture
Embodied carbon from construction and manufacturing continues to increase in its contribution to overall global carbon emissions. Unlike operational carbon—emissions produced from building operations such as heating and lighting—embodied carbon is associated directly with the construction phase. Making informed decisions about building materials early in the design process can dramatically decrease a project’s overall carbon footprint.
The Role of GreenGirt & SMARTci Systems in Mitigation
GreenGirt CMH is a continuous insulation system designed specifically for superior thermal efficiency and environmental performance. It integrates seamlessly into SMARTci building enclosure systems, which deliver robust insulation, air, and moisture barriers—all within one optimized solution. These advanced building enclosure systems simplify design and installation processes while significantly reducing embodied carbon compared to generic steel Z-girts.
Furthermore, the GreenGirt Steel system is a perforated thermal metal Z-girt system that outperforms other Class II metal and steel Z-girt systems on the market. Through insulation retention locks and thermal brackets, this system provides best-in-class thermal and structural performance that is easy to install and transport, reducing overall embodied carbon emissions.
Cutting Embodied Carbon with Innovation
GreenGirt CMH drastically lowers embodied carbon with its innovative composition that combines steel and composite fiberglass materials into one system. Steel Z-girts require substantial energy to produce and often result in higher carbon emissions. Conversely, CMH systems utilize steel and fiberglass to achieve high-performing strength and sustainability, helping to minimize production energy use and emissions.
The ease of installation guaranteed with the GreenGirt and SMARTci systems reduce the need for additional installation materials for fastener retention. This not only minimizes waste but also further decreases embodied carbon emissions associated with the installation of continuous insulation systems.
These systems also reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation because the GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems are manufactured in the United States. Using local products for construction reduces the amount of fuel connected with transporting goods to job sites, which helps to reduce overall carbon emissions.
Certified Sustainability and Proven Performance
GreenGirt and SMARTci systems meet stringent sustainability standards and certifications, including:
- LEED
- Passive House
- BREEAM
- Green Globes
Independent testing demonstrates that these systems substantially exceed conventional benchmarks for insulation efficiency and thermal performance.
Architects can confidently incorporate GreenGirt and SMARTci into their designs, knowing these solutions deliver measurable environmental advantages backed by rigorous certification processes and performance data. These certifications ensure compliance with building codes and sustainability rating systems, ultimately contributing to the overall success of green building initiatives.
Addressing Common Architectural Concerns
When selecting innovative building materials, architects must balance sustainability with practical concerns—durability, ease of installation, thermal efficiency, and long-term reliability. GreenGirt and SMARTci solutions have been thoughtfully engineered to excel in each of these areas:
- Durability: All three systems resist corrosion, moisture, and structural degradation, providing lasting performance in various environmental conditions.
- Ease of Installation: GreenGirt and SMARTci systems simplify the installation process, reducing labor costs and shortening project timelines without compromising quality or performance.
- Superior Thermal Efficiency: By eliminating thermal bridging and thermal bypass, GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems ensure maximum energy efficiency, significantly lowering long-term operational costs. GreenGirt Steel also leverages thermal efficiency into the 90% range in every installation.
- Reliability and Maintenance: These systems require minimal maintenance over their lifecycle, providing reliable performance and extended longevity.
Conclusion
Reducing embodied carbon is no longer optional, it is essential. Architects who prioritize sustainable and energy-efficient products, like GreenGirt and SMARTci, not only contribute to global sustainability but also gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Take the next step toward achieving your project’s sustainability goals—specify GreenGirt and SMARTci systems in your architectural designs. Ensure your buildings are not just efficient today, but sustainable for generations to come.
For more information or to speak with one of Advanced Architectural Products’ sales reps, visit GreenGirt.com.