Life cycle analysis of timber roof structures

Abstract

Construction industry is rapidly prospering. With numbers as high as they are in the construction industry, it is imperative to find alternative building materials and reduce waste. Proper combination and selection of materials helps to reduce the environmental burden on the surroundings. It is therefore appropriate to use local, natural, renewable, recyclable and low-emission materials in their production, which also helps to promote biodiversity and to restore and replace green spaces. In the fight against climate change, the construction industry is trying to reduce the emissions of buildings by means of life cycle assessment. The study assessed the life cycle of 55 wooden timber roofs in terms of their environmental impact. Based on the assessment of the timber roof compositions, it can be concluded that the best rating was achieved by the composition with structural construction timber, cellulose insulation, vented gap and aggregate backfill. When using wood fibre and cellulose insulation, a 65% reduction in global warming emissions is achieved.