What is the GWP of typical timber products?

Global Warming Potential (GWP) for common timber products (modules A1–A3, excluding biogenic carbon): sawn softwood (C24, kiln-dried) 30–80 kgCO₂e/m³, glulam (GL24h) 120–200 kgCO₂e/m³, CLT (5-layer) 150–250 kgCO₂e/m³, LVL 180–280 kgCO₂e/m³, plywood 250–400 kgCO₂e/m³. Including biogenic carbon storage (−700 to −850 kgCO₂e/m³ for solid wood), all timber products become net carbon-negative at the production stage.

Global Warming Potential (GWP) for common timber products (modules A1–A3, excluding biogenic carbon): sawn softwood (C24, kiln-dried) 30–80 kgCO₂e/m³, glulam (GL24h) 120–200 kgCO₂e/m³, CLT (5-layer) 150–250 kgCO₂e/m³, LVL 180–280 kgCO₂e/m³, plywood 250–400 kgCO₂e/m³. Including biogenic carbon storage (−700 to −850 kgCO₂e/m³ for solid wood), all timber products become net carbon-negative at the production stage. The variation within each product type reflects differences in energy source (fossil vs biomass), transport distances, and manufacturing efficiency.

Why this matters

This question relates to EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) for Timber: How to Read It, 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:

→ EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) for Timber: How to Read It

Related questions

• What is an EPD for timber?
• What lifecycle stages does a timber EPD cover?
• How is biogenic carbon reported in timber EPDs?

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. All technical content is reviewed by qualified timber technologists before publication.