UC Berkeley

Today, the construction sector has access to a vast array of resources, ranging from non-renewable materials like steel and concrete to natural materials like stone and timber. These materials are either used alone or in combination as part of composites. Driven by the need to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment, Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) like Glued Laminated Timber (GLT) or Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) have gained increasing interest in the construction sector in recent years. This chapter explores the resource efficiency and environmental performance of these EWPs, by examining established literature on production processes, material yields, and life cycle assessments. The chapter highlights the role of different wood species, processing methods, and mechanical as well as environmental performances. It also discusses circularity and potential areas for future research to enhance the overall sustainability of the wood value chain. This comparative approach aims to support material selection decisions and foster more responsible use of forest resources in the built environment.