Whole Life Carbon Impact of 45 Timber Buildings
This report assesses the whole life carbon impact of 45 timber buildings, focusing on the environmental benefits and challenges of using timber in construction. The study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate embodied carbon, operational emissions, and end-of-life impacts across all phases of the buildings’ life cycles. The research highlights the potential for carbon reduction through the use of bio-based materials like timber, while also addressing practical barriers such as fire safety, acoustics, and moisture control in timber buildings.
Key Takeaways
- Carbon Storage: Timber captures and stores CO2 during its growth, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete.
- Embodied Carbon: Timber buildings have lower embodied carbon compared to conventional buildings, reducing life-cycle emissions significantly.
- Challenges: Barriers include fire safety concerns, moisture management, and the availability of sustainable wood, but these can be mitigated through design strategies and regulation updates.
How It Can Help You
This report is beneficial for architects, developers, and policymakers who are:
- Looking to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings by adopting bio-based materials.
- Interested in using timber for sustainable construction while addressing practical challenges such as fire safety and material durability.
- Seeking comprehensive data and case studies to support the design and regulation of low-carbon buildings.
Key Learnings
- Timber’s Carbon Benefits: Timber acts as a carbon sink throughout its life cycle, making it a critical material for reducing global CO2 emissions in construction.
- Practical Challenges: While timber offers environmental advantages, fire safety, moisture control, and acoustics need to be carefully managed in building design.
- Life Cycle Impact: A full life cycle approach is crucial for assessing and mitigating carbon emissions, from production through to end-of-life disposal.
DATE: May 2023
