The built environment contributes to nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. With a significant portion coming from the materials used in construction. While the focus has largely been on reducing operational carbon (emissions from heating, cooling and powering), attention is now urgently shifting towards embodied carbon.
At Footprint Architects, reducing embodied carbon in construction is central to our approach, influencing the materials we specify and the way we design sustainable buildings.
What is Embodied carbon?
Embodied Carbon refers to the total greenhouse gases emitted throughout the lifecycle of a material.
From raw material extraction, to manufacturing, transportation and installation and disposal. These emissions are “locked in” once the building is constructed, meaning unlike operational carbon, they cannot be reduced.
Timber: Naturally Low in Embodied Carbon
Timber stands out a sustainable building material with multiple environmental advantages, in many cases holding carbon-negative potential, here’s why:
Carbon sequestration
Trees absorb CO₂ as they grow, storing it in their trunks, branches, and roots. When timber is harvested sustainably and used in construction, much of that carbon remains isolated for the lifetime of the building.
Lower processing emissions
Timber requires significantly less energy to process and manufacture compared to steel, which is mined, smelted, and fabricated in energy-intensive facilities.
Lightweight and efficient
Timber is lighter than steel, reducing the energy needed for transportation and often allowing for simpler, less resource-intensive foundations.
Why Timber Beats Steel
Steel is a reliable construction material due to its strength and durability, but its carbon footprint is substantial. Producing 1 ton of steel emits roughly 1.9 tons of CO₂ , and the steel industry contributes to around 11% of global CO₂ emissions.
In contrast, timber – particularly if sourced and managed sustainably – could provide a carbon-efficient alternative.
The Role of Steel in the Construction Industry
50% of the world’s steel production on a yearly basis is used in construction and infrastructure, and therefore designers are required to adapt their practice to integrate eco-friendlier alternatives.
Whilst it is expected that the process will decrease in carbon intensity, demand is predicted to increase and cancel out this progression.
Glue-Laminated Timber: Glulam
Glulam is created by bonding layers of timber with durable adhesives to form strong, stable structural elements. This engineered timber solution combines material efficiency with architectural flexibility. These elements:
- Allow long spans and curved forms for expressive design
- Use smaller, sustainably sourced timber sections efficiently
- Offer lower embodied carbon compared to steel or concrete
At Footprint Architects, we utilised UK-grown larch glulam in the Newbery Steps Cricket Pavilion to reimagine the original barrel-vaulted roof. This sustainable choice preserved the pavilion’s historic character while enhancing its structural performance and reducing its carbon footprint.
Can We Make Steel More Sustainable?
Yes – despite its carbon-intensive production process, recycled steel offers a lower-impact option:
- 75% less energy than producing virgin steel
- Significantly lower CO₂ emissions
- Requires advanced methods to remove contaminants and manage emissions
- Avoids mining impact.
While steel remains essential for certain high-strength applications, its role must evolve with sustainable practices.
Many of our projects have reimagined buildings by accentuating existing steel structures. Through careful refurbishment, we reuse and repurpose steel, significantly reducing the environmental impact of adding new material.
Future thinking: Timber and lifecycle
Reducing embodied carbon is essential in the journey to Net-Zero buildings.
Timber offers a practical, scalable solution when:
- Sourced locally and sustainably (use FSC- or PEFC-certified timber to ensure responsible forest management).
- Used in place of carbon-intensive materials
- Integrated into a life-cycle analysis to understand its total environmental impact.
To Round Up:
Designing low-carbon buildings starts with material choices. Timber is not only structurally sound and visually appealing, it’s part of the climate solution.
By maximising timber’s potential and recycling steel wisely, the construction industry can drastically reduce its carbon footprint and build a more sustainable future.
Footprint Architect’s Experience Reducing Carbon Embodiment
At Footprint, we place a strong focus on embodied carbon, carefully considering the materials we specify. Timber is widely used across our projects, helping us reduce carbon impacts while creating sustainable, high-quality buildings that stand the test of time.
An example of re-use of tropical hardwood on The Environmental Hub, winning the regional RIBA Sustainability Award in 2024.
- 52 tonnes of reclaimed hardwood used
- Designed for disassembly ensuring circular economy principles
Embodied Carbon 172kg CO₂e/m2
Sequestered Carbon 225kg CO₂e/m2
Upfront Carbon 210kg CO₂e/m2
Incorporating original floorboards, sarking boards and reusing signposts ensured a commitment to reducing carbon embodiment.
- Curved roof design recreating the original timber frame
- Upgraded insulation and environmental performance for long-term efficiency
Embodied Carbon 245 kg CO₂e/m²
Sequestered Carbon -32 kg CO₂e/m²
Upfront Carbon 245 kg CO₂e/m²
