Considering carbon emissions and world-wide climate change, the design of environmentally responsible structures is paramount.Structures located in regions of high seismic risk are particularly important since they are likely to see damage sometime during their service life.The life-cycle performance and carbon footprint of these structures are sensitive to the structural system with results significantly more favorable when enhanced systems are used.Historically, the effects of buildings on the changing environment were evaluated based on mechanical, electrical, plumbing building system energy use related to daily operations.Structures themselves are typically given little or no consideration for environmental effects when in fact it they contribute significantly to the effects of climate change.Structures contribute to carbon emissions not only when they are built but over their service life especially if they are located in regions of high seismic risk.The carbon footprint associated with the damage, repair, and partial reconstruction or in some cases the full demolition and full reconstruction have considerable effects on the environment.Structures must not only be evaluated based on initial cost, constructability, and material availability but on the long-term environmental effects.A carbon footprint calculator that considers a comprehensive evaluation of structural systems both prescriptive and enhanced will be presented.The calculator considers the total amount of emitted carbon over a structures life as well as calculating life-cycle / damage / cost-benefit models considering initial construction through full service life.Adaptations of natural forms and behavior have led to innovations in structural systems resulting in greater efficiency.This increased efficiency has led to reductions in carbon emissions.These systems can be described mathematically based on natural growth patterns.In addition, these enhanced structural systems have been designed to include elements that can act mechanically during extreme seismic events allowing controlled rotation and sliding of joints so that energy can be dissipated.