Life cycle assessment and carbon footprint of multistorey timber buildings compared with steel and concrete buildings

摘要

Life cycle assessments are used to compare the environmental effects of energy and global warming potential or carbon footprint of a three-storey timber building with alternative concrete, steel and low-energy timber buildings. The environmental effects are assessed with reference to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming potential. Differences from previous studies are explored. A material carbon footprint calculation is proposed for possible inclusion in green building rating schemes,to compare the environmental impacts of building materials.