R. L. Marcea
MacMillan Bloedel Research Vancouver, Canada
K. K. Lau
MacMillan Bloedel Research Vancouver, Canada
Abstract
The concern over environmental issues, such as global warming, is growing and will influence consumers in the market place. A significant proportion of our forest is used to manufacture wood building materials.
Carbon dioxide (C02) emissions of two representative constructions using wood building materials were compared to emissions for non-wood building materials. The energy required to extract the raw materials, to manufacture and distribute the building materials was used to estimate C02 emissions.
The study showed that wooden structures require the least amount of energy and emit less C02 than other building materials. This finding should be included by consumers, designers and builders in comparative evaluation of building materials at the design stage, when decisions are made regarding the type of materials to be used.
