Is timber the answer?  Can the use of Cross-Laminated Timber in the multi-storey residential develop

Dr. John Weirs,

Is timber the answer? Can the use of Cross-Laminated Timber in the multi-storey residential develop

Author: Dr. John Weirs,

Department: Architectural & Built Environment, Northumbria University

Publication Date: 05-11-2024

Conference Location: University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK and online

Theme: Protecting nature and the natural environment

Keywords: Cross-Laminated Timber, Construction 2025, Sustainability, Eliminating Waste

Name of Conference: Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS)

Conference Date: 29 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2023

Contribution: Decarbonisation or Demise - Sustainable Solutions for Resilient Communities

Conference URL: https://international-seeds.co.uk/Seeds1/index.php

Abstract: Global construction is forecast to grow by over 70% by 2025. To put the UK at the forefront of global construction, the industry and government created a joint strategy, �Construction 2025�, which outlines targets based around cost reductions, faster delivery, a reduction in imports and a 50% reduction in emissions. It is the emissions target on which this paper focuses. During the past two decades, Latham, Egan, Wolstenholme and Farmer have all criticised the industry�s lack of collaboration with little improvement having being made on the back of these reports. If the �Construction 2025� emission targets are to be met, radical change must be made. Timber as a construction material has progressed significantly over the last 15years, with the development of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). As a result it has seen significant growth in popularity in the multi-storey residential market. This study aims to establish if adopting CLT as the main structural element could be the multi-storey residential development sectors� solution to contribute to a reduction in emissions set out in the Construction 2025 strategy. Using a quantitative, survey methodology a questionnaire was used to gather key primary data from industry professionals, exploring their views in relation to CLT�s sustainability credentials. It was established that finding ways to reduce emissions was the highest priority among construction professionals. This study also found that the adoption of CLT in the multi-storey residential sector can contribute to the sustainability targets set out in Construction 2025, not only during the construction process, but across the whole life-cycle of the building.

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