Mass Timber: The Sustainable Future of Building in BC

As the demand for sustainable construction and renewable resources grows, British Columbia is embracing a new frontier in building materials: mass timber. Mass timber refers to engineered wood products made by bonding or laminating smaller pieces of wood to create large structural elements like panels, beams, and columns. These materials are incredibly strong, capable of replacing traditional materials like steel and concrete in a wide variety of commercial and residential projects.

In mass timber construction, individual wood elements are stacked in perpendicular layers and bonded together using adhesives, dowels, or nails. This process creates products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (glulam), nail-laminated timber (NLT), and others, which are engineered to offer high structural performance. These prefabricated elements can be assembled quickly on-site, allowing for faster construction while reducing material waste. But the benefits of mass timber go far beyond its innovative engineering—its sustainability credentials make it a top choice for BC’s future.

How Mass Timber Supports Sustainable Foresting Practices

Mass timber relies on a steady supply of wood, which can be sourced sustainably from BC’s abundant forests. The process of harvesting timber for mass timber production can actually promote healthier forest ecosystems. By thinning forests, removing dead or overgrown trees, and using selective logging practices, mass timber production helps prevent overcrowding and reduces the risk of wildfires.

This type of forest management also encourages regeneration, meaning that harvested areas are replanted and managed to ensure future wood supply. By supporting sustainable foresting practices, mass timber not only provides jobs and economic opportunities for BC but also ensures the long-term health and vitality of the province’s forests.

Renewable Resource: A Circular Economy

Wood is a renewable material, unlike steel or concrete, which require significant amounts of non-renewable resources to produce. When forests are sustainably managed, they can regenerate, ensuring a continuous supply of timber. This makes mass timber a renewable alternative to traditional building materials, which have far-reaching environmental impacts, from mining to manufacturing.

In addition, much of the wood used in mass timber construction can come from trees that might not otherwise be utilized. Smaller or lower-grade trees, which would not be suitable for traditional lumber, can be turned into engineered wood products. This creates a more efficient use of the natural resources, reducing waste and making the production process more sustainable.

Carbon Sequestration: A Natural Climate Solution

One of the most compelling reasons to choose mass timber is its ability to sequester carbon. As trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it in their wood. When these trees are harvested and turned into mass timber, the carbon remains locked within the building materials for the life of the structure. This means that mass timber buildings are not only climate-friendly—they actively contribute to carbon reduction.

By contrast, traditional materials like steel and concrete have high carbon footprints due to the energy-intensive processes required to produce them. Concrete, in particular, is responsible for large-scale CO2 emissions. By replacing these materials with mass timber, builders can dramatically reduce the carbon impact of their projects.

A Great Choice for Commercial Buildings

Mass timber offers significant benefits for commercial construction. Beyond its sustainability, it’s an incredibly versatile and aesthetically pleasing material. With its natural warmth and beauty, mass timber creates inviting, visually appealing spaces that can improve occupant comfort and well-being—an increasingly important factor for businesses and developers.

From a structural standpoint, mass timber is strong, durable, and fire-resistant. It has been proven to meet or exceed the performance of steel and concrete in many applications, making it suitable for multi-story buildings, offices, and large-scale commercial projects. Additionally, the prefabrication process allows for faster construction, reducing labor costs and shortening building timelines.

Mass timber buildings are also energy-efficient. Wood has excellent insulating properties, meaning buildings made with mass timber typically require less energy for heating and cooling. This can result in long-term savings for commercial building owners and a reduced environmental footprint over the life of the building.

(Cross laminated timber installation at Hourigan’s Apex Plaza, Charlottesville, VA.)

Conclusion: The Future of Building in BC

As British Columbia moves towards a greener, more sustainable future, mass timber is positioned to play a pivotal role in construction. It supports sustainable forest management, promotes the use of renewable resources, and helps reduce carbon emissions through carbon sequestration. For commercial buildings, mass timber offers a versatile, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional materials.

By choosing mass timber for your next project, you’re not only investing in a durable and beautiful building material—you’re supporting a sustainable future for BC’s forests, its economy, and its communities.