The Environmental Impact of Building MaterialsWith the construction sector experiencing a resurgence in growth, the impact building materials have on the environment will continue to increase. Products used for construction have an environmental impact from material extraction through end-of-life. While construction generates up to 15% of global gross domestic product, it is also responsible for one-third of the total energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, half of all resources extracted from the earth, and 25 percent of non-industrial waste generated each year. This means architects, engineers, contractors, and owners all have the responsibility to provide long term solutions to minimize the environmental impact of the structures the design, build, and occupy. This presentation is intended to provide objective and transparent information to better inform material decisions for projects of all types and sizes.