Comparing the city-wide cost and CO2 emissions by adopting Alternate Zero Carbon Material: Mass-Timber vs. Low-Carbon Concrete

Abstract

The construction sector can significantly reduce carbon emissions by decreasing cement usage, which accounts for 9-10% of global energy related CO2 emissions. To address this, this study explores alternative materials: mass-timber and low-carbon cement due to expected urbanization with increasing cement demand. However, the potential emission reduction and cost-saving prospects at the city scale remain uncertain. Here, this paper creates future scenarios and compares mass-timber and low-carbon cement in terms of carbon mitigation and cost savings. Results indicate that mass-timber buildings offer net-negative emissions and cost savings compared to conventional concrete-frame buildings. While low-carbon concrete buildings can achieve net-negative emissions, they require a cost increase. Both alternative building materials reduce emissions by ~80.4% at a city-wide scale, with mass-timber buildings emerging as the superior choice due to environmental and economic factors.