> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/methodologies/biobased-construction-materials/introduction.md). # Introduction Buildings are responsible for 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). These can be split into operational emissions (such as energy consumption while buildings are used), and **embodied emissions** (emissions from the production, maintenance, and waste treatment of building materials). Embodied emissions of buildings account for almost 5-12% of national GHGs across European countries. Much of this impact comes from the energy-intensive production of cement and steel, which are the [top two building materials used globally](#user-content-fn-1)[^1], along with masonry (bricks, blocks, and stone). **Biobased construction materials** are composed of matter derived from biogenic origins. They typically have lower embodied GHG emissions than conventional materials because they 1) are mostly composed of renewable, biogenic carbon, which comes with low or even negative embodied emissions, and 2) can have less energy-intensive manufacturing processes. If the construction material has an expected carbon storage duration of 100 years or more, then the biogenic content of that material counts towards removal Rainbow Carbon Credits (RCCs). Regardless of their carbon storage duration, all biobased construction materials are eligible for avoidance RCCs, if the biobased construction material has lower embodied impacts than conventional materials thanks to its low-carbon inputs. [^1]: Cabeza, L.F., Boquera, L., Chàfer, M., Vérez, D., 2021. Embodied energy and embodied carbon of structural building materials: Worldwide progress and barriers through literature map analysis. Energy and Buildings 231, 110612.\ --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/methodologies/biobased-construction-materials/introduction.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.