This dissertation explores the environmental potential of using wood in buildings, providing insights into material correlations, life cycle assessment (LCA) methods, and their impact on the wooden buildings’ environmental performance. It focuses on understanding the temporal aspects of wooden buildings environmental impacts and how such factors influence greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) and design incentives in building practices.

The dissertation identifies inconsistencies in biogenic carbon accounting methods and emphasize their significance for buildings’ environmental performance. Different biogenic carbon accounting principle shift the focus between upfront and future life cycle stages, altering the temporal distribution of GHGe. While the dissertation highlights a potential for reducing GHGe through wood use, it also stresses the need for a holistic approach that considers other environmental impacts, such as biodiversity. Wood alone will not resolve all challenges but can serve as a means to optimize the environmental performance of buildings.

For a copy of the thesis, please email inst.build.phd@build.aau.dk.