Building sustainably to maximise carbon storage and minimise emissions

Scion's research ensures that wood-based materials increasingly contribute to sustainable, resource-efficient homes and offices that are integrated with the built environment of their neighbourhoods and cities.

Promoting urban equilibrium and a better built environment

Using timber and other wood-based building materials that sequester carbon long term will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address climate change to maintain a balance between people and the natural environment. Our work evaluates the contribution timber construction technologies make to balancing urban carbon emissions.

Read about storing carbon in the urban environment

Read about the future of tall timber buildings

Life cycle assessment (LCA) and management

The environmental impact of making, using and disposing of a product are considered during a life cycle assessment or analysis. This can include the extraction and processing of raw materials, manufacture, delivery, use and waste management or recycling at end of life.

Read Scion’s LCA for houses in New Zealand

We carry out life cycle assessments to international standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.

National science challenge building better homes, towns and cities

Scion is a collaboration partner in this challenge focussing on improving the quality and supply of housing, and creating smart and attractive urban environments.

Find out more about the challenge

Contact

Doug Gaunt, Scientist, Materials Analysis, Characterisation and Testing