Comparative LCA:s for Wood and Other Construction Methods

This paper summarises and discusses the results from seven different comparative LCA studies that have compared wood frame construction buildings with one or more alternative construction techniques. Although the physical boundaries (functional units) of the studied structures as well as the system boundaries for LCA:s differ significantly between the studies, the conclusion is very clear; The wood frame structure performs better with respect to energy use and “Global Warming Potential” (GWP) than the alternatives according to all comparative studies. The important issue of LCA system boundaries is discussed and it is concluded that system expansion should be used to be able to include the effect of the energy recycling potential from used wood based products.