Carbon-Storing Buildings: The Timber Revolution
Why CLT over concrete/steel?
Cross-Laminated Timber emits up to 80% less COâ‚‚ during production than concrete, and it stores carbon for decades.
Trade-Offs
Financial Cost vs. Long-Term Benefit
CLT can be 10–15% more expensive than concrete in the short term, depending on local supply chains. However, it reduces construction time by up to 50%, saving labor costs and allowing faster occupancy. It also stores carbon, helping cities reach net-zero targets.
Environmental Trade-offs
CLT is made from wood, so unsustainable harvesting is a concern. To solve this, Apple Haven uses FSC-certified wood from managed forests that replant 2+ trees per tree harvested, creating a closed-loop cycle of carbon storage.
Safety Concerns
Some may worry that wood is more flammable than concrete. CLT chars slowly, forming a fire-resistant layer, and meets international fire safety codes. Tests show CLT buildings can withstand 90+ minutes of fire exposure.
Scalability
Prefabricated CLT modules can be produced off-site and stacked up to 18 stories, as shown in the Brock Commons project in Canada. This allows rapid, repeatable housing solutions for growing populations.