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Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Analysis of Mid-Rise Mass Timber vs. Concrete Buildings in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Riley Jolly

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Holly Fairweather

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Scott Rayburg

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • John Rodwell

    (Department of Management & Marketing, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

The building and construction industry is one of the largest greenhouse gas producers, accounting for 39% of global emissions, most of these coming from concrete and steel. Mass timber construction (MTC) potentially offers a sustainable alternative to these traditional building materials. However, more research is needed to establish the sustainability credentials of MTC relative to traditional concrete and steel structures, especially for mid-rise structures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental and cost performance of mid-rise mass timber buildings by conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA uses a cradle-to-cradle approach, considering the global warming potential (GWP), freshwater use (FW), and total use of non-renewable primary energy resources (PENRT). Results indicated that mid-rise mass timber buildings have significantly lower impacts than concrete buildings, with their GWP approximately 30 times lower, FW about 20 times lower, and PENRT reaching a negative value. Additionally, the cost analysis revealed that MTC buildings can be cheaper to build and thus possibly more profitable than concrete buildings. These findings establish mass timber as a viable and sustainable option for the future of Australia’s construction industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Riley Jolly & Holly Fairweather & Scott Rayburg & John Rodwell, 2024. "Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Analysis of Mid-Rise Mass Timber vs. Concrete Buildings in Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:15:p:6465-:d:1444828
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Joseph Abed & Scott Rayburg & John Rodwell & Melissa Neave, 2022. "A Review of the Performance and Benefits of Mass Timber as an Alternative to Concrete and Steel for Improving the Sustainability of Structures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-24, May.
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