Wooden products - Positive material in life-cycle analysis

The construction industry accounts for a large part of material and energy consumption. Many studies show that, up to now, the operating of buildings has the maximum impact on environmental pollution. When energy efficiency for the operation is increased, the impact and effect of the construction process on the environment will come into the foreground. Because of the capacity of storing carbon and being a renewable material wood is examined in detail. Data for wooden products in life cycle analysis and calculations of timber buildings in life cycle analysis are discussed. Discussion in various research and standardisation projects in the past showed that simplification and transparency in LCA data for wood products are necessary. The issues of bound solar energy, imbedded carbon and renewable energy consumption have to be addressed. Further research needs to be conducted in end of life scenarios for wood and possibilities of a "regrowing potential" for wooden products.