Resource efficiency benefits the entire construction value chain, from material manufacturers and designers to construction companies, property owners, and end users, by reducing costs, enhancing competitiveness, and opening up new business opportunities in the sector.
Evaluating materials is essential
Effective planning is essential when creating low-emission and material-efficient buildings. Each construction material has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications, and no single material is perfect for all scenarios. By evaluating the overall environmental impact of materials, including their production, use, and end-of-life disposal, we can make balanced and informed decisions.
Prioritising materials that enable resource-efficient solutions and offer high performance with minimal environmental impact is crucial in construction projects. “Thoughtful design and careful selection of materials at the early stages of a construction project can significantly enhance resource efficiency and reduce the overall carbon footprint. By adopting sustainable practices from the outset, we can achieve the best environmental outcomes and contribute to a more sustainable future”, explains Rosa Zabihian, Sustainability Manager from Metsä Wood.
Using material-efficient construction materials offers significant advantages, primarily by reducing the amount of raw materials needed. This, in turn, lowers energy consumption and emissions associated with the construction process. For example, lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratios require less material to achieve the same structural performance, leading to considerable reductions in carbon emissions.
For real-estate investors and developers, using resource-efficient material solutions reduces the need for raw materials, which may enable project cost savings and increased profit margins. Material efficiency can also lead to thinner wall structures meaning more square meters can be obtained for sale. Meeting environmental regulations and qualifying for green certifications e.g. BREEAM and LEED can provide financial incentives and improve reputation. Sustainable projects may also attract more environmentally conscious customers and can lead to higher property values and faster sales.
For construction companies, reduced material handling and transport streamline the process, cutting labor costs and shortening project timelines. Less material on-site also leads to lower waste management expenses. Embracing sustainable practices can attract clients who prioritize environmental responsibility, strengthening the company’s market position.
Resource-efficient construction materials offer architects and engineers a powerful pathway to smarter, more sustainable design. By optimising structural performance with minimal material use, we can reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and support faster, more cost-effective project delivery. Resource-efficient materials enable lighter, more versatile structures that maintain safety and functionality while allowing for creative and distinctive architectural expression.
Embracing material efficiency not only supports innovation but also enhances professional reputation. As real estate investors, developers and construction companies are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions, the commitment to resource-efficient design positions architects and engineers as forward-thinking leaders in the construction sector. In this way, efficient materials are not just a practical choice; they can also be a strategic asset in modern construction.
A recent verified study shows that Kerto® LVL reduces fossil climate impact by over 70% and offers more than 80% material savings by weight compared to steel-reinforced concrete.
A new comparative study conducted by the international engineering, design, and advisory firm AFRY highlights the substantial climate benefits of Kerto® LVL over traditional steel-reinforced concrete in certain applications. “For floor structures, using Kerto® LVL floor elements instead of steel-reinforced concrete can reduce the fossil climate impact by over 70% per square meter, with a fossil climate impact of 29 kg CO2e compared to 105 kg CO2e for steel-reinforced concrete. Additionally, Kerto® LVL’s material consumption per square meter is just 34 kg, while steel-reinforced concrete requires 675 kg,” explains Rosa Zabihian. The study assumed the building site was in Central Europe, with concrete produced locally and Kerto® LVL manufactured in Finland and transported to Central Europe. The research was critically reviewed by Sweden’s RISE Research Institutes and Ramboll.
For the wall structure, two different load-bearing inner-core structures of external wall elements were compared: one was traditional steel reinforced concrete, and the other was Kerto LVL. The study reveals that Kerto LVL results in a fossil climate impact of 52 kg CO2e per square meter, while steel reinforced concrete has a fossil climate impact of 68 kg CO2e per m2. The overall fossil climate impact from the entire lifecycle of Kerto LVL is over 20% smaller compared to steel reinforced concrete.
The material consumption per square meter of wall for Kerto LVL is 60 kg compared to 463 kg for reinforced steel concrete, meaning over 80% less usage of material in weight. This comparison illustrates the benefits of using resource-efficient materials in construction to minimise environmental impact.
Reducing carbon footprint with material-efficient construction practices
The results of the study show the climate advantages of building floor and wall structures with Kerto LVL compared to reinforced steel concrete. This can help identify opportunities for emission reduction in construction projects. By adopting material-efficient and low-carbon construction practices, all stakeholders within the construction industry can reduce the carbon footprint of building projects and contribute to more sustainable development. At Metsä Wood, innovative, material efficient and low-emission construction applications are developed together with other material and solution suppliers in the construction industry.
Source: Metsä Wood
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