28/03/2023
Have you been hearing more about Mass Timber lately?
Mass timber is a type of wood construction that uses large solid wood panels that are sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Mass timber construction helps to reduce carbon emissions by storing carbon in the building material itself and can replace other building materials with much higher carbon footprints. Not only is mass timber beautiful and renewable, but it can also makes construction quicker and cheaper! Mass timber is lightweight, durable and often prefabricated, meaning it can be quickly assembled on site. In addition to numerous other benefits, modern techniques such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam) also perform well in fire tests.
In Atlantic Canada, there is a growing interest in mass timber construction, particularly in the commercial and institutional sectors. The region has a rich history of wood construction, and mass timber provides an opportunity to build on that legacy while also embracing sustainable building practices. From our famous covered bridges to the buildings of our future, Atlantic Canada can promote sustainable building practices, reduce carbon emissions, and support the local forest industry by supporting mass timber projects.
The benefits of mass timber are numerous and we’re excited to see it being utilized in Atlantic Canada. By embracing this innovative and sustainable building material, we can create beautiful, durable, and environmentally-friendly buildings that will benefit our communities for generations to come. You can read more about mass timber, and visit the national Mass Timber Dashboard here: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/our-natural-resources/forests/industry-and-trade/forest-products-applications/mass-timber-construction-canada/23428
