Attainable and Sustainable Home Building Solutions

Author(s) Information

Katrina Matthews, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Construction Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Construction Management

Date

6-2023

Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Thomas Kommer, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department

Abstract/Summary

Sustainability has fortunately been a recent concern in the construction industry as climate change continues to impose potentially insurmountable threats to the global environment. Although many new methods have been adopted in efforts to lessen the adverse environmental effects of construction-related activities, as a society, we still have much room for growth as the built environment accounts for almost 50% of global emissions. Many changes and standards must be adopted to make these solutions efficiently beneficial. To set industry standards, we must start with the most basic form of construction- residential building. This report covers two attainable framing solutions for environmentally conscious home building: hempcrete blocks, and a reusable, maneuverable framing system called XFrameTM. This paper weighs their advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, materials, practicality, and sustainability. Utilizing research and interviews with professionals in both of these methods, this paper covers the rationale behind choosing sustainable methods. This project also explores new knowledge that may invalidate the costly stigmas surrounding sustainable construction. Research was also conducted about how as an industry we can collectively lower the prices of green materials if the demand rises through the usage of methods like these.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/673