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Life Cycle Analysis of Innovative Technologies: Cold Formed Steel System and Cross Laminated Timber

Author

Listed:
  • Ornella Iuorio

    (School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK)

  • Antonio Gigante

    (DING—Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy)

  • Rosa Francesca De Masi

    (DING—Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy)

Abstract

Reducing the embodied and operational energy of buildings is a key priority for construction and real estate sectors. It is essential to prioritize materials and construction technologies with low carbon footprints for the design of new buildings. Off-site constructions systems are claimed to have the potential to deliver a low carbon build environment, but at present there are a lack of data about their real environmental impacts. This paper sheds lights on the environmental performance of two offsite technologies: cold formed steel and cross laminated timber. Specifically, the environmental impacts of a CFS technology are discussed according to six standard impact categories, which includes the global warming potential and the total use of primary energy. The study is based on a detailed cradle to gate life cycle analysis of a real case study, and discusses the impacts of both structural and non-structural components of CFS constructions. As a useful frame of reference, this work compares the environmental impacts of 1 m 2 of walls and floors of CFS technology with those of cross laminated timber, which is spreading as innovative off-site technology for the development of nearly zero energy buildings, and a conventional reinforced masonry technology, which is largely adopted in the Italian construction sector. The paper concludes with the necessity to optimize structural systems to reduce the overall embodied carbon impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Ornella Iuorio & Antonio Gigante & Rosa Francesca De Masi, 2023. "Life Cycle Analysis of Innovative Technologies: Cold Formed Steel System and Cross Laminated Timber," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:2:p:586-:d:1024627
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ornella Iuorio & Andrew Wallace & Kate Simpson, 2019. "Prefabs in the North of England: Technological, Environmental and Social Innovations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-14, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel Wałach & Aleksandra Mach, 2023. "Effect of Concrete Mix Composition on Greenhouse Gas Emissions over the Full Life Cycle of a Structure," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-20, April.

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