Enhancing greenhouse gas emission reduction via innovative envelope strategies: A focus on cross-laminated timber buildings for climate adaptation

The imperative for advanced envelope strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the built environment has intensified in response to the pressing challenges of global warming and climate change. Emphasis is placed on material-centric approaches for potential energy reduction and management. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is emerging as a sustainable architectural substitute for concrete and steel because of its insulation properties and temporary carbon storage capacity as a wood-based material. This study assesses the potential of CLT buildings in reducing GHG emissions, specifically through envelope solutions using a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) method and analyzed tow variables: 1) the approach regarding building envelopes and 2) the approach concerning external climatic conditions. Hybrid CLT buildings exhibited a significant 36 % decrease in GHG emission with optimized envelope configurations. However, CLT integration may lead to increased cooling demands alongside reduced heating requirements. Regions with significant indoor-outdoor temperature differentials, such as Central 1 and mountainous areas, exhibit notable reductions in building energy consumption and associated GHG emissions, underscoring the efficacy of envelop-centric approaches. Conversely, warmer locales such as Jeju and selected southern regions witnessed increased GHG emissions from hybrid CLT construction. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the pivotal role of innovative envelope strategies in advancing sustainable energy goals and enhancing climate adaptability through hybrid CLT construction practices in South Korea.