Wood-frame and compressed earth block (CEB) construction are two sustainable options for structural wall assemblies. Sustainble building in the markeplace is contextualized. The two assemblies, designed to meet local building code requirements, are compared in a full life cycle analysis (LCA) and an economic cost analysis. The analysis is based on an existing earthen project from which project construction and operational data was provided. A discussion on life cycle methods is also presented in the paper. CEB is shown to be preferential from an environmental and cost standpoint. The overall impacts from CEB are 70% those of wood-frame and the capital and operational costs are lower by 33% and 25% respectively. Possibilities for future improvements to the CEB assembly are highlighted.
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