Factors and Issues Related to the Environmental Impact Caused by the Life Cycle of Timber Building Construction Projects

Abstract

Timber construction offers a number of advantages in terms of environmental sustainability particularly in comparison to other construction technologies such as concrete construction. Although the calculation of the environmental impact caused by the life cycle of a timber construction project provides results that display some of these advantages, it is also necessary to examine the manner in which timber construction should move forward in order to maximize its sustainability potential. The aim of the current research is to determine the key factors and issues that are related to the environmental impact caused by timber construction and thus provide the basis for future considerations regarding the optimal delivery of such projects. A timber building is used as the basis for the calculations that are used to quantify the influence of the issues examined. Furthermore, the conclusions that are derived highlight recommendations intended for application in similar projects, while also providing suggestions for the way forward regarding sustainable practice within the timber building sector.