DC Structures

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At DC Structures, we believe the future of construction isn’t just about strength and durability—it’s about building responsibly. As pioneers in high-performance wood structures, we take our environmental impact seriously, investing in cutting-edge building systems, technologies, and materials that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable living. From waste-reducing prefabrication methods to energy-efficient building envelopes, our team integrates a range of climate-smart strategies to create structures that benefit both you and the planet. Whether you envision a net-zero-ready home or a carbon-storing commercial building, we’re here to help you design a sustainable solution that ensures a better future for all.

The Environmental Impact of Construction

The building and construction sector produces 40% of global carbon emissions and nearly one-third of the world’s solid waste. Here in the U.S., the numbers are just as concerning—36% of the nation’s carbon emissions come from residential and commercial buildings, while the industry generates approximately 600 million tons of construction and demolition waste every year

With 1.4 million homes built annually, it’s clear that the way we build has a profound impact on the environment, making sustainability a critical focus of our work.

A wooden barn-style building with a triangular roof and cupola sits amidst a scenic rural landscape. Rolling hills and mountains are visible in the background. The foreground has a gravel path and a fenced area with a tree and rocks.
Commitment to Sustainability

How We're Revolutionizing the Industry

With our team, sustainability isn't an afterthought—it’s at the core of everything we do. Through a combination of waste mitigation, responsible sourcing, and digital precision, we’re redefining what it means to build sustainably. Here’s how we’re leading the way →

The interior of a spacious woodworking shop features a blue and yellow automated cutting machine, ideal for crafting apartment barn kits. Workers skillfully operate the equipment as wooden beams glide on conveyor belts. The shop boasts wooden walls, high ceilings, and abundant natural light from large windows and doors.

Prefabrication

At DC Structures, we prefabricate all our framing lumber in-house, significantly reducing waste, dust, and pollutants on the job site. By pre-cutting materials in a controlled factory environment, we create cleaner, safer job sites while accelerating the assembly process—cutting framing hours by 30% to 50% compared to conventional builds.

A wooden house with a metal roof is surrounded by lush green grass and trees. The structure blends with the natural landscape, and a small pathway leads to the house. The setting is peaceful, with a backdrop of green hills and a partly cloudy sky.

Responsible Sourcing

We prioritize locally sourced materials that help minimize transportation emissions and support regional suppliers. We also work with leading, sustainability-focused manufacturers like James Hardie, Pella Windows, and Andersen Windows to support environmentally responsible production outside of our own.

Person using a tablet to view construction plans in front of a partially built wooden structure. The background shows a dirt road and trees.

Digital Construction

Our 3D design software allows us to model your build with precision, virtually eliminating errors and excess waste in the construction phase. Integrated with our CNC robot, this process produces expertly cut building kits, enhancing both construction efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Wooden barn with a steep gabled roof, surrounded by a wooden fence and lush green lawn. Autumn leaves are scattered on the grass. Trees with early fall foliage surround the structure, and the sky has a pinkish hue.

Energy-Saving Designs

Our flexible design capabilities help you create a sustainable, high-performance structure that meets your vision. We offer design integrations for solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, high-efficiency insulation, and green roofing, as well as advanced building materials.

Is Building with Wood Sustainable?

Sustainable construction starts with renewable, long-lasting materials—like wood. Of the primary building materials, wood is the only one that is naturally occurring and renewable. Wood also acts as a natural carbon sink, absorbing and storing CO₂ throughout its lifetime, making it a crucial solution for reducing carbon emissions. Whether you’re designing a net-zero home or an eco-conscious commercial space, wood offers a durable, low-impact alternative that supports a greener future.

 

Why Wood is the Ultimate Eco-Friendly Building Material

 

Project Spotlights

Aerial view of a rural landscape featuring a fenced equestrian arena and barn surrounded by green hills and trees. Various structures are scattered across the terrain, with winding dirt roads connecting them. The sky is clear with soft clouds in the distance.

Teháma Carmel Development

Located in the privately owned Teháma Carmel community in Carmel, California, this energy-efficient equestrian center utilizes materials and methods that minimize waste and maximize sustainability.

Cornelius Custom Home

This ultra-modern Oregon home is a showcase of sustainable luxury, with massive window walls, oversized timbers, and solar panel installations that enhance both energy efficiency and natural beauty.

A cozy, illuminated two-story cabin with a metal roof sits in a wooded landscape at dusk. Solar panels are visible on the roof. Surrounding trees and a mountain are silhouetted against a purple evening sky.

Durango Barn Home

Designed with a minimal building footprint, this gable-style home reduces carbon emissions while offering a warm, nature-inspired interior that reflects the serenity of its surroundings.

Building Sustainably

Additional Resources

What Are CLTs?
What Are CLTs?

Cross-laminated timbers (CLTs), an emerging product in the mass timber family, are multi-layer engineered wood panels designed for strength, durability, and sustainability. As a low-carbon, fire-safe alternative to steel and concrete, CLTs are shaping the future of sustainable construction, especially for multi-family developments and commercial spaces.

What Are SIPs?
What Are SIPs?

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are high-performance building components that improve insulation, energy efficiency, and structural integrity. When combined with wood framing, SIPs create tightly sealed, well-insulated buildings, reducing heating and cooling costs year-round.

Sustainability FAQs
Sustainability FAQs

Building sustainably involves many considerations, from energy efficiency to long-term durability. If you have questions about our processes, materials, or eco-friendly practices, check out our Sustainability FAQs for expert insights.

The Homeowner’s Guide to Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
The Homeowner’s Guide to Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Your home’s design and materials play a critical role in its long-term sustainability. Learn how features like fiber cement siding, Low-E windows, and rainwater harvesting systems can help you create a durable, eco-friendly home that benefits both you and the environment.

What Makes Our Prefabrication Process Eco-Friendly?
What Makes Our Prefabrication Process Eco-Friendly?

Our off-site manufacturing process minimizes waste, lowers carbon emissions, and delivers faster, more efficient builds. With pre-cut and pre-drilled framing materials ready for seamless assembly, our prefabrication method ensures less energy use and greater sustainability than traditional construction.

Taking Care of Our Forests: A Way Forward
Taking Care of Our Forests: A Way Forward

Sourcing sustainable materials is only one part of the solution. To truly support long-term environmental change, we must invest in responsible forest management. By supporting reforestation efforts, conservation programs, and sustainable harvesting, we can protect and restore forests for future generations, our communities, and the planet at large.

Get In Touch

Join Our Commitment to Building Sustainably

Want to learn how a sustainable approach can enhance your next project? Our specialists can walk you through our materials, energy-efficient design options, and prefabrication benefits. Let’s build something extraordinary together. Call us at (888) 975-2057 or request a free quote to explore your sustainable building options!