ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS ON SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE BUILDING METHODS

Abstract

Renewable-sourced EWPs offer enhanced dimensional stability, durability, and mechanical properties, facilitating larger and more complex structural elements, and contributing to faster construction times and better energy performance. The research investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) as sustainable building materials in the construction sector by a comparison of their cost, performance, and environmental impact against conventional concrete. The research emphasises the importance of innovative design, recycling, and waste reduction in fostering sustainable construction methods that satisfy the demands of present and future generations while conserving energy. However, there are negative environmental impacts linked to the production of concrete, such as habitat destruction, atmospheric emissions, and waste generation. The research adopted a web-based survey to gather quantitative data from construction experts. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was adopted to analyze the respondents' perceptions of the benefits of EWP and concrete negative effects. The results of the research reflect respondents' significant preference for EWPs and are consistent with their outstanding environmental qualities. In conclusion, this paper argues that EWPs possess the potential to effectively revolutionise the construction industry by minimising its carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable construction practices that are required for addressing the expectations of both the present and the future.