Carbon sequestration in wooden structures possibly achievable
In the ongoing battle against climate change, the construction industry is poised to play a significant role in reducing harmful carbon emissions.
Nicole Lücke, a renowned science journalist and partner at Content Qualities, is at the forefront of reporting on this issue. Her expertise spans across energy, technology, sustainability, and medicine/medical technology.
One promising solution lies in the widespread use of timber construction. This approach offers significant climate protection benefits, as wood stores about 1 tonne of CO₂ per cubic meter used. This means that a single-family house could potentially reduce emissions by up to 20–30 tonnes CO₂, while multi-storey buildings could save up to 800–1,200 tonnes CO₂ compared to conventional materials.
However, the shift towards wood construction is not without its challenges. Ensuring sustainable forest management is crucial to maintain a continuous wood supply without degrading forests. Additionally, the adoption of advanced digital and modular building techniques is necessary to maximize resource efficiency and recyclability.
Another area of focus is the cement industry, which is responsible for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions. While researchers are working on emission-free cement, a viable solution is not yet available.
Meanwhile, innovative solutions are being developed in the realm of construction. For instance, a five-story residential building made of cross-laminated timber can store up to 180 kilograms of carbon per square meter. There are also advancements in 3D-printed houses, such as one that can withstand earthquakes of magnitude 7 and costs only 20,500 euros.
Moreover, the study suggests that significantly larger quantities of engineered wood should be used in the global construction sector. Protecting forests from unsustainable deforestation is also crucial for increasing the use of construction wood.
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In conclusion, the construction industry holds immense potential in the fight against climate change. By embracing sustainable practices and innovative materials like wood, we can make significant strides towards a greener future. Meanwhile, other industries, such as cement production, also need to address their carbon footprint to achieve our collective climate goals.
