Comparative Cradle-to-Grave Life Cycle Assessment of Low and Mid-Rise Mass Timber Buildings with Equivalent Structural Steel Alternatives

The objective of this paper was to quantify and compare the environmental impacts associated with alternative designs typical North American low mid-rise buildings. Two scenarios were considered: a traditional structural steel frame or an all-wood mass timber design, utilizing engineered wood products for both gravity lateral load resistance. boundary quantitative analysis cradle-to-grave considerations taken discuss end-of-life material reuse scenarios. TRACI methodology followed conduct Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) that translates building quantities impact indicators using Athena Estimator Buildings software tool Athena’s Inventory database. results show buildings have advantage respect several categories, including eutrophication potential, human health particulate, global warming potential where 31% 41% reduction found from designs, neglecting carbon sequestration benefits products. However, it also lower categories smog acidification ozone depletion 48% 58% designs.