Research: Comparative Life-Cycle Environmental Impacts of Mass-Timber and Steel Structu...

Research question: How do the life-cycle environmental impacts of mass-timber high-rise construction compare to those of conventional steel-frame systems in urban settings?

Background & Motivation: The construction sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. As cities seek to reduce their carbon footprints, mass-timber has emerged as a promising alternative to steel for high-rise construction, claiming lower embodied carbon and potential sustainability benefits.

Research Gap: While there is growing interest in mass-timber, there is a lack of comprehensive, comparative life-cycle assessments (LCA) quantifying its environmental impacts relative to traditional steel construction, especially for tall buildings in urban environments. Existing studies often focus on low-rise structures or use inconsistent system boundaries.

Approach & Expected Contribution: This project will conduct a detailed LCA comparing mass-timber and steel high-rise structures using standardized methodologies (e.g. EN 15978), drawing on real project data, published environmental product declarations (EPDs), and scenario modeling. The research will systematically analyze impacts across the full life cycle—including raw material extraction, manufacturing, construction, use, and end-of-life—highlighting key drivers and uncertainties.

Significance: The findings will provide robust evidence for architects, engineers, and policymakers regarding the environmental trade-offs of adopting mass-timber for tall buildings, supporting data-driven decisions for sustainable urban development.