FEATURE EMBODIED CARBON
Lowering Carbon Levels with Timber
Most carbon emissions come from the building when energy is used to heat, cool and power them. But the embodied carbon emissions created during the manufacturing of building materials and the construction phases of a building is also central to sustainable construction.
T
he huge requirement for new dwellings in the UK alone
Sustainable construction aims to use renewable and recyclable
is so significant that the government has a target of 300k
materials when building new structures and reducing energy consumption
homes per year to be built. (It is also being noted that
and waste. Offsite designs manufactured in a controlled factory
having missed this number for the last few years the
environment assure precision engineering, minimal waste and dramatically
requirement is nearer 345k per annum now). This simply adds to the
reduce onsite movement. This in turn means reduced carbon emissions
increasing pressure on the environment and the carbon production that
and a safer working site. The process also helps to eliminate many of the
is inevitable through this.
onsite checking procedures that traditional brick and block construction
It is therefore essential to reduce ‘upfront carbon’ emissions before
require.
a building is used. The embodied energy that is used in the production of
One point of contact for the design manufacture and installation of
building materials must be considered by builders and building designers
a complete superstructure must be an advantage to the builder be it a
if we are to hit the current and future targets of carbon reduction that are
one of or multi-unit project. Timber frame is the major solution within
being set out.
the offsite home building market. Other panelised systems such as cross
Embodied carbon is unchangeable once a product is manufactured
laminated timber (CLT) and structural insulated panels (SIPs) will also help
thus the designer needs to be specifying low carbon products and design
deliver carbon capture and help plug the skills gap that is facing traditional
solutions. With increased building performance around the corner in the
construction. Both premium systems with their own unique advantages
form of tougher performance standards being introduced in the next
add to the options available in help to embody carbon!
change to building regulations there has never been a better time to swap
Timber offers exceptional thermal performance, greatly reducing
to timber.
household emissions – a positive for both the environment and the
Unlike many modern methods of construction (MMC) timber frame
pocket of the homeowner. Aside from its environmentally beneficial
is one of the oldest methods of construction known to mankind. It is
properties, prefabricated timber frame technology could prove to be a
stunningly simple in concept, widely used and accepted whilst rapidly
great assistance to meeting the demand for affordable housing. This trend
increasing in popularity.
has already started with many projects in this sector turning to the ‘fabric
Environmentally, the advantages of building with timber are enormous.
first’ approach that timber systems provide. There is no better way at
Timber is the stand-out performer, possessing the lowest embodied carbon
this current moment in time to significantly help the environment whilst
for any building material. Managed forests that are properly maintained
delivering the number of homes required. SBUK GROUP modern construction methods are about better
provide us with the only truly renewable building resource.
products and processes that aim to improve efficiency, quality, resident
The primary goal of a sustainable building is to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. Houses developed using structural timber
satisfaction, environmental performance, and sustainability. All timber
solutions can be built up to 30% faster than traditional construction
products used within our business are sourced from sustainable sources
methods. In addition to this with the product being manufactured offsite,
and are either PEFC or FSC-certified.
there is a 90% reduction in waste. A timber frame home can reach a weathertight stage of the build much sooner than with traditional methods
More at www.framebuilduk.co.uk www.sipbuilduk.co.uk
of construction – a crucial driver for any self-build or housing solution.
www.sbukgroup.co.uk
Timber Construction Magazine
Spring 2022
30
www.timbermedia.co.uk
@Timber_Media
