Aluminum has long been considered one of the most carbon-intensive materials in the built environment, but that designation is fundamentally changing. Advances in recycling technology have transformed the embodied carbon profile of aluminum, yielding a material that performs at the highest structural standards while carrying a dramatically lower environmental footprint. Despite these advancements, many in the architecture and design community remain unaware of the shift. This Masterclass aims to elevate new opportunities for design and construction.

Hosted by Parsons Healthy Materials Lab and Hydro, this invite-only session explores opportunities for design with low-carbon metals with a focus on recycled aluminum. Leveraging HML research and Hydro’s technical expertise and advancements, participants will gain clear insights into the differences between virgin and recycled aluminum, the technologies enabling this shift, and the positive impact on embodied carbon in building. Expert guests will enrich discussions from both scientific and industry perspectives.

This Masterclass is part of HML’s mission to equip the architecture, design, and construction community to reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing performance or material quality. Attendees will receive curated research, PDF takeaways, and findings from HML’s ongoing work. Seats are limited and available by invitation only.

Header Image: A pile of post-consumer scrap. Photo by: Einar Aslaksen for Hydro