Whole Building Impact

In a recent comparative life cycle assessment (WBLCA) of a 297,000-sf high-mass building, Knife River’s CarbonCutter™ precast solution achieved significant reductions in foundation, steel framing, and lateral system materials.

26%

lower embodied carbon than conventional CMU designs.

19%

lower embodied carbon than industry-average precast concrete.

Table comparing global warming potential in kg CO2e per square meter for non-structural CMU, precast, CLT, CIP tilt-up, and precast structures, including CarbonCutter replacement options. Table comparing embodied CO2 emissions per functional unit for new structural and insulation materials across EPD categories.
The CarbonCutter™ Advantage

Up to 45% Cement Offset

CarbonCutter™ mixes replace a significant portion of traditional cement with supplementary cementitious materials, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of every precast element.

Proven Low-Carbon Concrete Solutions for Data Centers & High-Mass Buildings

30% Reduction

30% Reduction in Section Properties: Optimized panel design and prestressing technology allow for thinner, lighter wall sections—reducing material volume, embodied carbon, and foundation requirements.

Cross-section diagram of a prestressed concrete masonry wall assembly showing wythe, prestress strands, and reinforcement, with a specifications table for wall assembly types and bond beam reinforcement. Structural concrete wall assembly diagram showing layered cross-section with prestressed strands, EPS insulation, and material strength specifications table. Reinforced concrete wall assembly cross-section showing two concrete wythes with EPS insulation, dimensions, and specifications table. Diagram of a non-structural CLT wall assembly showing 3-inch rigid insulation, metal framing, fiber cement panel, and 3-ply CLT panel with dimensions and an R-value of 18.2.

Committed To Sustainability

Sustainability Leadership

Pursuing Concrete Sustainability Certification

Continuous Improvement Roadmap

Regional Sustainability Engineering Team

WBLCA Results Snapshot

Reusable

CarbonCutter™ panels can be disassembled and reused, further reducing lifetime impacts.

Carbonization Benefits

Knife River mixes sequester additional CO₂ over time, providing ongoing environmental value.

Applications

Data Centers

Distribution Centers

Warehouses

Parking Garages

Educational Facilities/Gymnasiums

Why Choose Knife River Prestress Prefabricated Concrete Solutions?

Performance

Meets or exceeds code requirements for strength, durability, and energy efficiency.

Constructibility

Faster installation, reduced perimeter steel, and optimized foundation design.

Sustainability

Documented carbon reductions, EPD-backed results, and future-ready solutions.

About Carbon Cutter
Table of environmental product impact metrics by category, showing global warming potential, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, and non-renewable energy across non-electrical items, non-structural and structural products, and electrical wire and cable.