Mapping a Structure’s Impact on the Environment

Considering carbon emissions and world-wide climate change, the design of environmentally sensitive structures is paramount. Structures located in regions of high seismic risk are particularly important since they are likely to experience seismic damage during their service life. The life-cycle performance and the carbon footprint of these structures are sensitive to their structural system with outcomes that are significantly more favorable when enhanced systems are used.

Structures must not only be evaluated based on their initial cost, constructability, and material availability; they also must be evaluated based on their long-term environmental effects. A carbon footprint analysis tool that considers a comprehensive evaluation of structural systems—both prescriptive and enhanced—is presented.