The built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of human-influenced Green House Gas emissions. Almost a third of this is embodied carbon. Embodied carbon is the portion of carbon emissions caused during the construction phase. The demand for housing and infrastructure is expected to grow, specifically in developing countries. Urbanisation is also expected to increase. This creates a conundrum where increased construction will be required, but we can’t afford to continue using carbon-intensive building practices.
Increasing the use of biobased materials, like timber, which absorbs carbon during its growth phase, is one of the approaches we can take to reduce carbon emissions caused by building activities.
To promote timber construction, the GSTM facilitated a transdisciplinary project that included participation from various departments, faculties, universities and industry partners. The project included a timber construction booth and workshop at the convention.
A special thank you to the Department of Marketing Management, University of Pretoria, the UP Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology and York Timbers who played instrumental roles in enabling this initiative.
Virtual Campus
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App