Arup report encourages the use of timber to help tackle climate change
11 April 2019
Arup today launches its ‘Rethinking
Timber Buildings’ report aimed at accelerating the construction
industry’s response to reducing global
emissions and achieving net zero
carbon
buildings by using sustainable materials.
The report highlights the time and efficiency savings that can result
from the use of mass
timber as a sustainable and safe alternative to
more commonly used materials. It states that architects, developers,
planners and corporate organisations should consider mass timber when
designing low and mid-rise buildings.
The move could form a vital step towards tackling some of the challenges
that the construction industry faces when designing and building cities
amid rapid levels of urbanisation and human population growth. The
report highlights the key considerations in timber construction
including:
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Sustainable and zero-carbon – the use of timber could significantly reduce the carbon footprint ofbuildings and contribute to limiting the carbon emission contributions of the wider construction industry.
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Faster and quieter – the use of timber is well-suited to construction in dense urban environments. It is lightweight enabling less road deliveries and is also quiet and quick to assemble. This can help reduce construction noise, time and disruption.
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Reduced waste - timber produces less waste because it can be prefabricated off site. New digital fabrication technologies enable timber buildings to be constructed very efficiently.
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Mass timber is also attractive and can often be left visually exposed, reducing the time and cost of applying finishes.
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Fire safety – robust fire safety can be achieved where timber is considered as part of a holistic fire strategy and is supported by tested, certified, and coordinated detailing throughout the design and construction process.
In dense urban areas such as inner-city locations, the lower levels of disruption from timber construction could provide welcome relief for councils, contractors, local residents and businesses; all of whom are faced with the challenges of increasing building capacity whilst maintaining environments for communities to thrive in.
‘Rethinking Timber Buildings’ report: https://www.arup.com/perspectives/publications/research/section/rethinking-timber-buildings
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Source: Arup - www.arup.com
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