SUSTAINABLE
CONSTRUCTION
With our technology, the carbon footprint of construction can be reduced by 20–25% through lower consumption of concrete, steel, and water. Additionally, our frame structures facilitate the integration of eco-friendly and renewable construction materials for both exterior and interior walls. This leads to improved energy efficiency and lower costs for heating, cooling, and overall energy consumption.
Reducing Carbon Footprint Through Lower Concrete Usage
Concrete is a key contributor to CO₂ emissions in the construction industry, with cement production being a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. In 2023, the global cement industry emitted 2.4 billion metric tons of CO₂-equivalent (GtCO₂e), accounting for approximately 6% of total global emissions. As demand continues to grow, the carbon footprint of cement is expected to increase further.
The Finntera frame system helps reduce overall concrete consumption compared to conventional building methods. This is achieved by eliminating column capitals and beams, minimizing the thickness of floor slabs, and reducing the cross-sectional area of vertical load-bearing elements.
Concrete consumption per m²
Fame-beam construction: 0.24 – 0.26 m³
Monolithic construction: 0.28 – 0.32 m³
Precast concrete: 0.48 – 0.53 m³
Finntera: 0.18 – 0.20 m³/m²
HOW IT WORKS
According to a study published in Environmental Research Letters (IOPscience), the average greenhouse gas emissions from producing 1 m³ of concrete range from 240 to 320 kg of CO₂ equivalent, depending on the region, production technology, and mix composition. Given concrete's typical density of around 2.3 t/m³, this translates to approximately 104–139 kg of CO₂ per ton. Our theoretical calculations indicate that total concrete consumption per square meter of floor area is minimized with our technology – lower than in any other known construction method.
Emissions (kg CO₂)
57.6 – 83.2
Frame-beam Construction
115.2 – 169.6
Precast Construction
67.2 – 102.4
Monolithic Construction
43.2 – 64.0
Finntera
Reduction Of Steel Consumption
The extraction of ore, steel production (or carbon fiber synthesis), processing, and shaping of reinforcement bars are energy-intensive processes that primarily rely on fossil fuels, resulting in significant CO₂ emissions. Additional emissions arise from transporting materials to precast concrete plants or construction sites, and the end-of-life disposal of reinforcement bars, whether through recycling or landfill, also contributes to the overall carbon footprint.
Although reinforcement bars do not emit CO₂ during use, their application in construction significantly affects the total carbon footprint of a building or structure. For conventional steel reinforcement bars (e.g., A500), the carbon footprint typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram when produced using traditional methods such as blast furnaces powered by coal or natural gas. Bars manufactured from recycled scrap metal generally have a lower carbon footprint.
Reducing the weight of the load-bearing structure and minimizing concrete usage directly reduces the demand for reinforcement bars. Based on our earlier calculations of concrete consumption across various construction technologies and using an estimated carbon footprint of 1.5 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of reinforcement, we have calculated the average carbon footprint of reinforcement bars per square meter of floor area.
Reduction of Water Consumption
A reduction in the volume of concrete used for the structural frame naturally leads to a decrease in the amount of water required for producing frame elements. Concrete is typically made by mixing cement, aggregates (like sand and gravel), and water. Therefore, the less concrete produced, the less water is needed.
Moreover, optimizing the design of the structure or using innovative construction techniques can also contribute to reducing the amount of concrete needed. For example, using high-strength concrete or optimized reinforcement design can decrease the overall volume of concrete, further minimizing water consumption.
This approach not only helps conserve water but also contributes to more sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices
Let's go sustainable!
Build smarter. Build sustainably. Contact us now and shape the future with us.