The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). The production of traditional materials such as steel and concrete requires significant energy input and releases substantial amounts of CO₂. With the urgent need to reduce emissions, the search for sustainable alternatives has intensified. Among these, wood-based biomaterials, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), stand out for their carbon sequestration and storage capabilities. This study evaluates the feasibility of replacing conventional materials with biomaterials to reduce the embodied carbon emissions of single-family housing in Brazil. The methodology included a review of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for replaceable materials, biomaterials, and non-replaceable materials, analyzing the CO₂-eq/kg emissions associated with their production. EPDs for nine materials were identified and assessed, with seven classified as “replaceable” and two as “replacements,” prioritizing national data whenever possible. A comparative analysis was conducted on a standard social housing project widely replicated across Brazil, quantifying its carbon emissions when constructed with conventional materials versus biomaterials, with and without considering the influence of biogenic carbon. This study contributes by highlighting the potential impacts of engineered wood in a highly utilized design in Brazil, supporting the decarbonization of the country’s residential sector.

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Can Engineered Wood Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Residential Housing? A Case Study in the Brazilian Context

  • Carolina de Almeida Xavier,
  • Lucas Rosse Caldas

摘要

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). The production of traditional materials such as steel and concrete requires significant energy input and releases substantial amounts of CO₂. With the urgent need to reduce emissions, the search for sustainable alternatives has intensified. Among these, wood-based biomaterials, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), stand out for their carbon sequestration and storage capabilities. This study evaluates the feasibility of replacing conventional materials with biomaterials to reduce the embodied carbon emissions of single-family housing in Brazil. The methodology included a review of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for replaceable materials, biomaterials, and non-replaceable materials, analyzing the CO₂-eq/kg emissions associated with their production. EPDs for nine materials were identified and assessed, with seven classified as “replaceable” and two as “replacements,” prioritizing national data whenever possible. A comparative analysis was conducted on a standard social housing project widely replicated across Brazil, quantifying its carbon emissions when constructed with conventional materials versus biomaterials, with and without considering the influence of biogenic carbon. This study contributes by highlighting the potential impacts of engineered wood in a highly utilized design in Brazil, supporting the decarbonization of the country’s residential sector.