Harmonizing Building and Supply Chain Practices

This question set the tone for an insightful discussion featuring experts from Turner Construction, C.Scale (formerly EHDD), and Cambium. Here are the five key takeaways that emerged from our conversation:

1. Early Decision-Making is Critical to Sustainability

One of the strongest themes from Turner Construction was the importance of making decisions early in the project lifecycle. “We need data on availability, cost comparisons, and lead times right at the start,” said Julia from Turner. The challenge is that construction projects often move at a rapid pace, and missing key decision windows can make it difficult to go back and retrofit for lower carbon emissions.

What’s more, there’s a common misconception that contractors hold all the buying power. “We spend the client’s money, and they need to see a clear value add,” Julia added. This is why gathering sustainability data at the start is so critical—it allows the entire team to make smarter, lower-carbon choices that align with both project and client goals.

2. The Power of Data-Driven Supply Chains

C.Scale’s Jack brought the conversation back to the data, highlighting the enormous impact that smarter supply chain decisions can have on emissions reduction. He noted, “There is $1.3 trillion spent annually on construction materials – imagine the emissions reductions possible from smarter choices.”

C.Scale is focused on making lifecycle assessments (LCA) and carbon analysis more accessible to architects, builders, and decision-makers across industries. “Decarbonizing the built environment isn’t about rebuilding from scratch, but integrating with the industries we have today,” Jack explained. By democratizing carbon data and using it to guide material choices, we can make significant strides in reducing our overall footprint.

3. Cost and Timeline Parity is Key to Adoption

Julia also emphasized a challenge we hear frequently from clients: “Green premiums are real, and even those with deep pockets are cautious about cost.” For sustainable materials to achieve widespread adoption, they must offer cost and timeline parity with traditional materials.

At Cambium, we understand this and are working to bring Carbon Smart Wood™ to market in a way that offers both environmental benefits and competitive pricing. As Ben pointed out, “If you give us one project, we may not be the best fit, but if you give us 25, we can source materials at scale and drive better pricing.”

The bottom line? Templatizing solutions and working on multi-project deals are key to scaling sustainable practices and making them accessible.

4. Policy and Compliance are Drivers of Change

The role of policy in driving decarbonization cannot be overstated. Both Ben and Jack discussed how compliance is often seen as a burden in the construction industry, but it’s becoming a powerful tool for driving sustainability.

“Compliance is something the industry often pushes back against, but it’s doable,” said Ben. “Having real-time data on materials and emissions can help establish a chain of custody, making it easier to meet compliance standards and avoid costly mistakes.”

Jack agreed, noting that as the shift from procurement to LCA standards occurs, the opportunities for integrating sustainability into every project increase. With the right policies in place, we can create more clarity and help companies set clear, actionable targets.

5. The Circular Economy Offers Untapped Potential

Lastly, the panel touched on the role of the circular economy in decarbonizing construction. The industry generates a lot of waste, and historically, there hasn’t been much incentive to reduce or reuse it. Julia shared, “Through a lifecycle lens, suddenly you’re creating a new economy and solving a lot of problems at once.”

At Cambium, we’re focused on using waste materials—like fallen urban trees—to drive systemic change in construction. “We’re using waste material as a wedge to drive broader industry change. It’s a $200 billion industry, and we’re working to build better products while keeping the planet in mind,” Ben said.

The circular economy allows us to rethink waste and see it as a valuable resource, aligning financial goals with environmental responsibility.

The Path Forward

Decarbonizing the built environment isn’t a one-size-fits-all challenge, but this discussion makes it clear that there are powerful solutions within our grasp. From leveraging data to making early, informed decisions, to scaling sustainable practices across multiple projects, the tools for a greener future are available—if we choose to use them.

At Cambium, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this conversation, offering innovative solutions like Carbon Smart Wood™ and working with partners across the industry to build a better, more sustainable future. Together, we can decarbonize construction, one building—and one supply chain—at a time.