Wood Buildings as a Climate Solution

The article Wood Buildings as a Climate Solution systematically reviews the potential of using mass timber in mid-rise buildings as a method to reduce global carbon emissions. By comparing the lifecycle analysis (LCA) of mass timber buildings with conventional materials such as concrete and steel, the study found that substituting mass timber could reduce construction phase emissions by 69%, equating to an average reduction of 216 kgCO2e/m². This study highlights how large-scale adoption of mass timber could contribute up to 9% of the total global emissions reduction required by 2030 to keep global temperature increases under 1.5°C.

Key Takeaways

• Significant Emissions Reduction: Substituting conventional building materials like steel and concrete with mass timber reduces construction emissions by 69%, contributing significantly to global emissions reduction efforts.
• Scaling Potential: If mass timber is used for 50% of new urban construction, it could account for 9% of the total emissions reductions needed by 2030 to meet global climate targets.
• Lifecycle Impact: Mass timber buildings not only sequester carbon during their production but also have reduced emissions across their lifecycle compared to conventional materials.

How It Can Help You

This study is useful for architects, developers, and policymakers seeking to:

• Integrate sustainable materials into building projects.
• Understand the lifecycle emissions impact of mass timber construction compared to traditional materials.
• Leverage mass timber for achieving climate goals through sustainable urban development.

Key Learnings

1. Construction Phase Focus: Most of the emissions reductions from using mass timber occur in the construction phase, making it a crucial area for targeting emissions reduction in building projects.
2. Global Impact: Mass timber has the potential to contribute significantly to the global emissions reduction effort, particularly in urban construction.
3. Policy and Investment: For mass timber to achieve its full climate potential, supportive policies such as updated building codes and private investments through green bonds and other mechanisms will be necessary.

Date: October 2020