Carbon Impact Assessment of Building Slabs

This research article evaluates the carbon impact of building slabs, focusing on multi-family houses. It highlights the significant contribution of slabs to a building's overall carbon emissions, which can range from 12% to 32%. The study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies to analyze various slab components and their functional layers, comparing alternative materials to identify opportunities for reducing emissions. The findings indicate that material choices, particularly the structural layer, greatly influence environmental impacts, with wood structures showing up to five times lower carbon emissions than traditional concrete slabs. The article also discusses the role of the screed layer in overall carbon impact and its relationship with acoustic insulation. The research identifies a gap in existing literature regarding the environmental contribution of slabs beyond their structural function and emphasizes the need for further studies to explore alternative materials that meet performance requirements while minimizing carbon emissions. The document serves as a comprehensive examination of current practices and potential improvements in slab design.