The role of Mass Engineered Timber in the decarbonisation of the built environment

Abstract

As urbanisation accelerates globally, the built environment faces the critical challenge of decarbonisation to mitigate the impacts of climate change. With cities expanding at an unprecedented rate, the demand for sustainable construction methods is more pressing than ever. This research explores decarbonisation pathways in the construction industry by examining the potential of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) as an alternative to conventional building materials for medium-rise urban buildings. The study investigates how geographic location influences buildings' Global Warming Potential (GWP), hypothesising that MET buildings exhibit significantly lower embodied emissions than reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. Factors such as energy grid composition and supply chain logistics are examined in two geographic scenarios: Cape Town, South Africa, and Perth, Australia. A standardised Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is employed to perform a comparative analysis of functionally identical buildings in these locations through computational modelling. Scenarios involving vertical extensions of existing buildings are also modelled to assess their decarbonisation potential compared to redevelopment. By integrating qualitative and quantitative insights, the research highlights the importance of context-specific strategies in emissions reduction. It underscores the benefits of utilising local materials and adopting standardised LCA methodologies to advance sustainable urban development. The findings indicate that MET offers a viable alternative to conventional construction materials and methods, providing actionable recommendations for stakeholders to mitigate the environmental impact of the built environment.