Achieving zero carbon emissions in the construction sector: The role of timber in decarbonising building structures.

Working paper

Reyes, N., Rodriguez, B., Wiegand, E., Ramage, M.H., Bukauskas, A., Debnath, R., Shah, D.U., Colman, T., De Wolf, C., Koronaki, A., Gatóo, A., Gin, Y., Ossio, F. and Ahumada, M. (2021). Achieving zero carbon emissions in the construction sector: The role of timber in decarbonising building structures. Cambridge University Press (CUP). https://doi.org/10.33774/coe-2021-hgd6q-v2
AuthorsReyes, N., Rodriguez, B., Wiegand, E., Ramage, M.H., Bukauskas, A., Debnath, R., Shah, D.U., Colman, T., De Wolf, C., Koronaki, A., Gatóo, A., Gin, Y., Ossio, F. and Ahumada, M.
TypeWorking paper
Abstract

This research aims to evaluate a realistic timber adoption scenario as a way of reducing carbon emissions of construction in Chile and the UK for the period 2020-2050. The study finds that a gradual increase of timber construction could complement the emission reduction targets set by traditional materials, providing the needed carbon storage. This analysis shows the urgency to define the criteria that will allow to account for carbon storage in timber construction as a natural contribution to the Paris agreement. Finally, it is worth highlighting that the construction sector also faces several economic and social problems that need to be addressed urgently. Timber adoption would reduce emissions and at the same time improve health, security, gender gap, precision, speed and working conditions in construction.

KeywordsTimber construction; Carbon emissions; Built environment; Public policy; Housing
Year2021
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.33774/coe-2021-hgd6q-v2
Web address (URL)https://www.cambridge.org/engage/coe/article-details/618bc5d964238014a6cdd8f5
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All rights reserved
Publication dates
Print17 Nov 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited18 Jul 2024
Additional information

This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed by Cambridge University Press at the time of posting.

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