As the building industry expands its focus beyond operational energy use, embodied carbon has emerged as a critical factor in evaluating the environmental impact of building systems. For metal buildings, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. While steel’s durability and recyclability are well documented, the upfront carbon emissions associated with material extraction, manufacturing and construction require closer examination. Understanding where embodied carbon originates within metal building systems and how design, material selection, and manufacturing decisions influence those impacts is essential for designers, specifiers and owners seeking to make informed, performance-driven choices.
Amanda Turner, Sustainability Specialist, Jacobs, and
Vincent E. Sagan, Director of Codes & Standards, MBMA
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., in the Design District