Structure

Structural Timber.

Timber is the only renewable construction material and stores CO₂ throughout the building's lifetime. Use FSC/PEFC-certified Scandinavian timber for the best climate profile.

Key Figures

Carbon Footprint (GWP): −0.72 kg CO₂-eq/kg
Density: 500 kg/m³
Expected Lifespan: 50–100 år (afhængig af fugtforhold)

What is structural timber?

Structural timber is the only large-scale renewable building material. It stores CO₂ from the atmosphere in its biomass — and keeps this CO₂ stored as long as the timber remains in the building. The negative GWP is due to this carbon sequestration. Sustainable forestry is required for this benefit to be genuine.

Carbon Footprint Compared

Structural timber ← this material −0.72 kg CO₂/kg

CLT −0.55 kg CO₂/kg

Concrete 0.13 kg CO₂/kg

Steel 1.46 kg CO₂/kg

Negative carbon footprint (green) indicates carbon storage. Data based on EPD averages from ECO Platform and estimates per EN 15804.

Typical Applications

check_circle Roof rafters and purlins
check_circle Floor joists
check_circle Timber frame structures
check_circle Interior partitions
check_circle Cladding

In Renovation

Timber is ideal for renovation: easy to work with, adaptable to existing structures, and new elements can be incorporated without heavy machinery. Roof replacements, floor joist renovation, and extensions are typical applications.

Questions about structural timber

Does negative GWP mean timber is climate neutral?

Negative GWP means timber absorbs more CO₂ than it emits during production. But this assumes sustainable forestry, and the CO₂ is released again when timber burns or decomposes. Timber is best for climate when used in long-lasting structures.

What about moisture and timber-degrading fungi?

Structural timber requires proper ventilation and protection from moisture. Incorrect exterior cladding and missing vapour barriers are the most common failure points. Correctly built timber structures last 100+ years.

Is Scandinavian timber sustainably sourced?

Scandinavian forestry is generally FSC or PEFC certified with mandatory replanting. This makes Scandinavian structural timber a climatically well-founded choice.

When should you choose glulam over simple timber?

Glued laminated timber (glulam) is stabilised and can handle larger spans and loads than simple structural timber. It's used for larger beams, columns, and truss structures in residential and commercial construction.

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