Concurrent Modeling of Embodied Carbon and Construction Costs for Mass Timber Construction

Construction product manufacturing is a contributor to global climate change through its carbon emissions, known as embodied carbon (EC). Previous studies have found that utilizing a mass timber structural system can contribute to a reduction of EC. A barrier that prevents the use of mass timber is its higher cost than other available alternatives, which should be justified by stakeholders that wish to use mass timber. However, there is a dearth of studies to support their efficient analysis and decision making. To fill this knowledge gap, the objective of the present study is to develop a model which streamlines a decision-making process based on cost and EC data. To test the model, a case study was performed to compare the costs and EC of multiple structures. Based on the case study, the model proved to be an efficient way of providing the desired data. Additionally, the study found that alternatives utilizing mass timber resulted in a larger percentage reduction in EC than increase in cost. The model is expected to support stakeholders that wish to lower EC by selecting a mass timber structure.