Preliminary Analysis and Possibilities of Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Embedded Materials on the Example of Innovative Systemic Railway Stations (ISS)

Marta Thomas, Maria Ratajczak and Agnieszka Ślosarczyk ()
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Marta Thomas: Institute of Building Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 5, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
Maria Ratajczak: Institute of Building Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 5, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
Agnieszka Ślosarczyk: Institute of Building Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 5, 60-965 Poznań, Poland

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-15

Abstract: The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of building materials used in the construction of railway stations. It analyses two examples of innovative railway stations built in Poland in recent years and examines the impact of the choice of building materials on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the stations. The analysis found significant differences in GWP between the two stations, with structural steel being the largest contributor for one station, accounting for 48% of the total GWP. Replacing traditional materials with low-emission alternatives was shown to reduce the total GWP for both stations by around 60%. The research highlights the importance of analysing the GWP of all building materials, even in small quantities, as some materials, such as high-pressure laminates, can have a disproportionate impact on carbon emissions. The study also shows that the correct use of low-carbon building materials in the construction of the station can lead to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the building. Collaboration between designers, investors and contractors is essential to achieve sustainable building designs that minimise the environmental impact of construction.

Keywords: global warming potential; carbon footprint; building materials; public transport; railway station (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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