Sub-structure
The sub-structure forms the building’s foundation, including footings, slabs, and below-ground walls. Typically heavy in concrete and steel, these elements often account for a large share of total embodied carbon. Early-stage visibility into material impacts can support reduction strategies from the ground up.
Average NABERS Benchmark
Lowest
Highest

Recycled densely graded aggregate
ECORR
0.49
tonne
Australia

Recycled Aggregate
ECORR
0.61
tonne
Australia

Natural Sand
Holcim
3.10
tonne
N/A
Australia

Aggregate
BGC Australia
4.96
tonne
Australia

Aggregate, Tylden quarry products
Fulton Hogan
5.10
tonne
Australia

Manufactured Sand
Holcim
6.00
tonne
N/A
Australia

Concrete Aggregates
Holcim
6.17
tonne
Australia

Aggregate, Tynong quarry products
Fulton Hogan
7.80
tonne
Australia

Recovered Aggregates
Repurpose It
16.00
tonne
Australia

Recycled crushed concrete aggregate
Green Vision Recycling
0.83
tonne
New Zealand

Recycled densely graded aggregate
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
below NABERS average

Recycled Aggregate
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
below NABERS average

Natural Sand
3.10
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
N/A
NABERS average

Aggregate
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
below NABERS average

Aggregate, Tylden quarry products
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
below NABERS average

Manufactured Sand
6.00
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
N/A
NABERS average

Concrete Aggregates
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
below NABERS average

Aggregate, Tynong quarry products
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
above NABERS average

Recovered Aggregates
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
above NABERS average

Recycled crushed concrete aggregate
Upfront Carbon Emissions
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
kg CO2e / tonne (A1-A3)
below NABERS average