Dynamic life cycle assessment of Canadian glued-laminated (Glulam) timber: a pathway to sustainable structural systems in construction

Abstract The environmental footprint of building materials has become a focal point in the global effort to decarbonize the construction sector, which contributes approximately 33% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study conducts a dynamic life cycle assessment (DLCA) of Glued-Laminated Timber (Glulam) manufactured in British Columbia (BC), Canada, to assess its cradle-to-gate environmental impacts under current and evolving scenarios. A hybrid methodology combining process-based LCA with a system dynamics (SD) model was implemented. Real-time production data from a Glulam facility in Castlegar, BC, were integrated with region-specific energy and forestry profiles and assessed using the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (E) method. Results indicate that the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of BC Glulam is significantly lower than comparable products in other regions, primarily due to hydroelectric-powered manufacturing and efficient clean wood waste recovery. Sensitivity analysis identified transportation distances, adhesive type and usage, timber yield, and energy mix as the most critical impact drivers. The SD model projects the evolution of emissions, energy use, and waste generation from 2020 to 2050 under different demand and efficiency trajectories. The findings underscore Glulam’s potential as a low-carbon structural alternative to steel and concrete, especially in regions with renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable forest practices. Policy insights are provided to support the broader adoption of engineered wood products in climate-aligned construction.