Análise das emissões de carbono em uma habitação unifamiliar em CLT

Abstract

The growing concern for sustainability in the construction industry has driven the search for materials and construction systems with a lower environmental impact. In this context, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) emerges as a viable and sustainable alternative to masonry and reinforced concrete, reducing carbon emissions associated with the sector. This study aimed to develop an architectural design for a single-family modular home using CLT and to evaluate its carbon footprint, from material extraction to final transport. To this end, a simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the building was conducted, allowing for the quantification of the carbon dioxide emissions generated throughout the process. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the CLT construction and an equivalent model using masonry and reinforced concrete to demonstrate the environmental impacts of each system. Thus, based on the structural design and the detailed quantification of materials, it was possible to calculate the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions for each construction typology. As a result, the CLT building showed lower CO₂ emissions. However, it should be noted that the values for CLT could have been lower if an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) were available in Brazil, as the data used in the research considered international manufacturers, which impacted the transportation calculation. A Brazilian EPD would provide more aligned figures, demonstrating the true environmental potential of the product in the country.