Alternative Structural Systems that have Smaller Carbon Footprints
James A. D’Aloisio, P.E.,SECB, LEED AP BD&C, GPRO:O&M, Principal, Klepper, Hahn, & Hyatt
ABSTRACT
Traditional U.S. structural systems for commercial buildings (i.e. concrete, steel, masonry) are timetested, reliable, and well known, but all have drawbacks, regarding their environmental impact. Alternative
structural systems exist, about which the design and construction community is not as familiar, but which
have significant benefits, including the potential for reducing global warming potential (GWP) gas
emissions in their construction and operation. If a financial cost were to be ascribed GWP gases, such
alternative systems could prove viable and cost-effective. This presentation will cover the following
systems:
Insulated Concrete Forms
Structural Insulated Panels
Straw Bale Construction
Cross-Laminated Timber
For each, we will provide a brief introduction to the system, review the performance track record in the
U.S. or other countries, provide an overview of the structural capacities and limitations, and briefly
compare the GWP emissions of the construction and the ability of the system to reduce GWP emissions
over its service life by controlling heating and cooling energy usage. We will also include estimates of
GWP emissions for traditional construction systems. For each system, we will explore the potential
market share of different types of commercial buildings.
We will also explore the alternative structural concepts of frost-protected shallow foundations, which can
be applied to a variety of buildings, as well as the use of salvaged structural materials, which offers
tremendous potential for reducing GWP emissions.
BIOGRAPHY
James A. (Jim) D'Aloisio is a Principal with Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt, a structural engineering, landscape
architecture, and building envelope services firm in Syracuse, NY. A graduate of RPI, Mr. D'Aloisio is a
Professional Engineer, Certified by the Structural Engineering Certification Board (SECB), a LEED
Accredited Professional and a GPRO (Green Professionals Contractor Training) instructor. Jim’s chair of
the Structural Engineering Institute Sustainability Committee. Jim's a principal investigator for the Pankow
Foundation-sponsored research project "Thermal Break Strategies for Cladding Systems in Building
Structures." He’s a former Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council's New York Upstate Chapter, and has
presented over 100 times.