Mass timber construction a rising trend in sustainable building

The global construction industry continues to see owners and developers place a high priority on adopting sustainable practices and reducing their carbon footprint.

Buildings account for roughly 39 percent of global carbon emissions—28 percent from operational emissions and 11 percent from embodied carbon—according to the World Green Building Council’s 2019 Bring Embodied Carbon Upfront report.

Sustainable building practices, including energy efficiency and material innovations, are key to reducing these emissions. This is where mass timber construction emerges as a game-changing alternative.

What is mass timber construction?

Mass timber construction refers to the use of engineered wood products, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (glulam), to create structural components for buildings. These materials are made by bonding layers of wood together to form strong, durable structural elements that can replace traditional materials like steel and concrete.

Unlike conventional wood framing, mass timber is suitable for large-scale projects, including mid- to high-rise buildings, thanks to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Beyond its structural capabilities, mass timber provides a strong aesthetic and is proven to increase the mood of its occupants. Perhaps most importantly, it has significant environmental benefits, making it an ideal choice for sustainable construction.

Environmental benefits of mass timber construction

1. Lower carbon impact: less embodied carbon, more stored carbon

One of the primary advantages of mass timber construction is its low embodied carbon. Unlike steel and concrete, which release significant emissions during production, wood is a renewable resource that requires less energy to process. Additionally, wood stores carbon throughout its lifecycle.

• Embodied carbon: Producing materials like steel and concrete emits large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Substituting wood for these materials in commercial buildings can cut GHG emissions by an average of 60 percent.
• Biogenic carbon: Wood is approximately 50 percent carbon by dry weight. When sourced from sustainably managed forests, mass timber can have a negative CO₂ equivalent value, as it stores more carbon than it emits during production.

2. Enhanced energy efficiency

Wood also outperforms steel in terms of thermal conductivity. Materials with low thermal conductivity resist heat flow, improving a building’s energy efficiency by better storing heat.

• Wood is up to 310 times better than steel at resisting heat transfer, according to the American Wood Council.
• This property helps reduce energy costs associated with heating and cooling, contributing to a lower carbon footprint over the building’s operational life.

3. Reduced reliance on energy-intensive materials

The production of steel and concrete is resource-intensive, requiring large quantities of fossil fuels and raw materials. By choosing mass timber, developers and owners can reduce their reliance on these high-impact materials, directly lowering emissions during the construction phase.

Biophilic design: The hidden benefit of mass timber

Beyond its environmental advantages, mass timber construction supports biophilic design principles, which emphasize connecting buildings to nature. The natural warmth and aesthetics of wood create inviting, calming spaces that can improve occupant well-being and productivity.

Studies have shown that incorporating a biophilic design, such as exposed wood interiors, contributes to lower stress levels and increased comfort. For commercial building owners, this can translate into happier tenants and employees, adding value beyond environmental considerations.

Challenges and opportunities of mass timber

While the benefits of mass timber construction are clear, challenges remain. One significant barrier is cost. Engineered wood products can be more expensive upfront than traditional materials, although their long-term savings in energy efficiency and reduced maintenance often offset this initial investment. As the industry continues to evolve and mature, better pricing will come along with it.

Additionally, widespread adoption requires better education about mass timber’s capabilities and updated building codes to accommodate its use. As the industry continues to innovate, these hurdles are becoming easier to overcome, making mass timber an increasingly viable option for large-scale construction projects.

A growing trend for owners

For building owners looking to make environmentally responsible choices, mass timber offers a durable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution. As the industry moves toward decarbonization, mass timber has the potential to transform how we build, helping to create a more sustainable future.