Towards Sustainable Structure of Tall Buildings by Significantly Reducing the Embodied Carbon

Mahjoub M. Elnimeiri () and Youngjin Hwang
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Mahjoub M. Elnimeiri: College of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Youngjin Hwang: College of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: Addressing global warming has become an urgent priority. According to a recent United Nations study, the global population is expected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050, with the majority residing in urban areas. Consequently, high-rise buildings are anticipated to dominate the built environment, emphasizing the need for their sustainability. Currently, reinforced concrete and structural steel are the primary materials used in the construction of tall buildings and remain the standard for most skyscrapers. This paper examines the significant issue of embodied carbon in these materials. In structural engineering practice, efficiency and constructability are key considerations. The sustainability of steel construction has been well-documented, with organizations such as the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) leading efforts in this area. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate that structural steel systems in tall buildings are not only efficient, constructible, and durable but also sustainable. By conducting life cycle assessments, this paper illustrates how structural efficiency, construction sequencing, and design compatibility can significantly reduce the embodied carbon of steel systems used in high-rise buildings. Similarly, substantial global efforts are underway to reduce the embodied carbon of reinforced concrete, with cement being the primary contributor to carbon emissions. Recent advancements in non-cementitious materials are improving the sustainability of reinforced concrete. This study applies the same life cycle assessment methodologies to demonstrate that well-designed and well-constructed reinforced concrete structures can achieve a minimal embodied carbon footprint.

Keywords: tall building; structural systems; material; life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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