Why You Need to Know about Timber and Carbon

Learning Points

Measuring carbon emissions is crucial for tracking and mitigating climate change.

Measuring carbon emissions is essential to address climate change, which is causing severe global impacts like extreme weather and rising temperatures. The UK Government has set ambitious targets, including net zero emissions by 2050 and a 78% reduction by 2035. These targets align with international agreements like the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Accurate measurement of carbon emissions helps track progress, identify reduction opportunities, and implement effective strategies to mitigate climate change’s adverse effects, ensuring a sustainable future.

Timber sequesters carbon, storing it long-term, reducing overall carbon footprint.

Timber plays a significant role in carbon sequestration by absorbing CO2 during tree growth and storing it within the wood fibers. This stored carbon remains locked in timber products used in construction, acting as a long-term carbon sink. Sustainable forestry practices ensure that timber is sourced from managed forests, maintaining the carbon sequestration cycle. Timber products can store substantial amounts of carbon, reducing the overall carbon footprint of buildings. Additionally, using timber in construction can offset emissions from other materials, contributing to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.

EPDs provide lifecycle environmental impacts, ensuring transparency and comparability.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are Type 3 environmental labels that provide detailed information on the environmental impacts of products over their lifecycle. EPDs include data on global warming potential, resource use, and other environmental impacts. Key components of an EPD are the declared unit (e.g., per cubic meter for timber), product composition, and lifecycle stages (A1 to A3 for raw material extraction, transport, and manufacturing; C1 to C4 for end-of-life). EPDs are based on standardized lifecycle assessments and verified according to international standards like ISO 14025 and EN 15804, ensuring transparency and comparability.

Whole life carbon assessments evaluate emissions across timber’s lifecycle stages.

Whole life carbon assessments for timber products involve evaluating carbon emissions across all lifecycle stages: raw material extraction (A1), transport (A2), manufacturing (A3), construction (A4-A5), use (B1-B7), and end-of-life (C1-C4). These assessments include biogenic carbon accounting, where carbon sequestered in timber is initially recorded as a negative emission and added back at the end of life. Tools like the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment standard guide this process. The goal is to understand the total carbon impact, identify reduction opportunities, and promote sustainable building practices by incorporating timber’s carbon storage benefits.

Design strategies include reuse, optimization, and circular economy principles for sustainability.

Design strategies to reduce carbon emissions using circular economy principles include reusing existing buildings and materials, conducting upfront carbon assessments, and optimizing building form and layout. Incorporating durable materials, designing for deconstruction and reuse, and minimizing waste are crucial. Examples include using timber for structural elements and cladding, which stores carbon and reduces the need for high-emission materials. Case studies like the ALEANDER HQ and the Black and White Building demonstrate successful implementation of these strategies, achieving significant carbon savings and promoting sustainable construction practices.