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Will a Transition to Timber Construction Cool the Climate?

Author

Listed:
  • Galina Churkina

    (Institute of Ecology, Berlin University of Technology, 10587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Alan Organschi

    (Innovation Labs, Bauhaus Earth, 12161 Potsdam, Germany
    Yale School of Architecture, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
    Gray Organschi Architecture, New Haven, CT 06510, USA)

Abstract

Timber construction is on the rise and its contribution to climate change mitigation has been widely discussed by scientists and practitioners alike. As midrise building with wood in cities spreads, it will lead to fundamental and systemic change in forests, the manufacturing of construction materials, and the character and performance of the built environment. In this paper, we discuss the multifaceted implications of the transition to building with timber in cities for climate, which include greenhouse gas emissions but also go beyond those potential benefits. We demonstrate that while a transition to timber cities can have a balancing effect on the global carbon cycle, the other accompanying effects may enhance, reduce, or diminish that effect on climate. A collaboration of practitioners with scientists will be required to steer this transition in a climate-friendly direction.

Suggested Citation

  • Galina Churkina & Alan Organschi, 2022. "Will a Transition to Timber Construction Cool the Climate?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-8, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:7:p:4271-:d:786690
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    References listed on IDEAS

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