Demand-driven Climate Change Mitigation and Trade-offs from Wood Product Substitution

The article Demand-driven Climate Change Mitigation and Trade-offs from Wood Product Substitution evaluates the potential for climate change mitigation by replacing concrete with wood products in multi-family housing construction (MFHC) in Sweden. It analyzes the trade-offs involved, focusing on climate impacts and biodiversity concerns related to Swedish forests. The study applies a demand-driven approach, exploring the substitution of concrete with timber in housing from 2030 onwards, and addresses the increased demand for wood and how it can be sourced domestically, without reliance on imports or displacement of other wood uses.

Key Takeaways

• Climate Mitigation: Replacing concrete with wood products in MFHC results in lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the additional wood demand can be met using Swedish forests.
• Trade-offs: A trade-off exists between climate change mitigation and biodiversity, as more timber harvesting slightly reduces old forest areas in Sweden.
• Optimal Strategy: Timber-light frame construction combined with reduced dwelling sizes provides the highest climate benefit with minimal forest impact.

How It Can Help You

This study is useful for policymakers, developers, and environmental scientists interested in sustainable building materials and climate change mitigation through wood product substitution. It offers insights on how wood-based housing can lower GHG emissions and minimize environmental trade-offs, while suggesting the best approaches for sourcing wood responsibly.

Key Learnings

1. Climate Benefit: Replacing concrete with timber significantly reduces GHG emissions, offering a net climate benefit, especially when using timber-light frames.
2. Biodiversity Impact: There is a small trade-off between reducing GHG emissions and preserving biodiversity, as more harvesting reduces old forest areas.
3. Optimal Construction Strategy: Timber-light frames combined with reduced dwelling sizes are the most effective approach to balance climate benefits and forest conservation.

Date: 2023