What is biogenic carbon and how does it affect timber's carbon footprint?

Biogenic carbon is the CO₂ that trees absorb from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store in their wood fibres. Every cubic metre of timber stores approximately 700–900 kg of CO₂.

Biogenic carbon is the CO₂ that trees absorb from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store in their wood fibres. Every cubic metre of timber stores approximately 700–900 kg of CO₂. Under EN 15978, this stored carbon is reported as a negative value in Module A1 (−1 kgCO₂ stored per kg CO₂ absorbed) and released as a positive value at end of life (Module C3/C4) if the timber is incinerated or decomposes. If the timber is reused or recycled, the stored carbon remains sequestered.

Why this matters

This question relates to Embodied Carbon in Timber Construction: Calculation Methods, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ Embodied Carbon in Timber Construction: Calculation Methods

Related questions

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• How do you calculate embodied carbon for timber?
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About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia.