One key advantage of mass timber over steel is its significantly lower energy requirement during production.
Energy Efficiency in Production
When comparing the production processes of mass timber and steel, a major difference lies in the energy consumed. Producing mass timber typically requires substantially less energy compared to steel manufacturing.
Additionally, the production of mass timber typically requires less energy compared to steel, as it doesn't involve the high temperatures and extensive processes needed to create steel from iron ore.
Steel, while recognized for its incredible durability and recyclability, is inherently energy-intensive to produce. The process of smelting iron ore at extremely high temperatures demands significant amounts of energy. In contrast, mass timber products, like cross-laminated timber (CLT) or glulam, are manufactured through processes that require far less heat and complex chemical transformations.
Environmental Impact
This difference in energy consumption translates directly into a lower carbon footprint for mass timber production compared to steel. The energy used in manufacturing is a major contributor to embodied carbon in building materials.
Choosing mass timber can therefore contribute to:
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions related to material production.
- A lower overall environmental impact for construction projects.
While other factors like strength, cost, and availability vary depending on the specific application, the lower energy intensity in production is a significant point where mass timber demonstrates an advantage over steel.
