Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides the most comprehensive method for comparing the environmental performance of construction materials. For B2B timber dealers, LCA data is an increasingly powerful sales tool as clients demand verifiable sustainability evidence.
Last updated: March 2026
What Is Life Cycle Assessment?
LCA is a systematic methodology defined by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 that evaluates environmental impacts from raw material extraction through end-of-life. For construction, LCA follows EN 15978 with stages: A1-A3 (product), A4-A5 (construction), B1-B7 (use), C1-C4 (end of life), and D (beyond building life cycle benefits).
Timber vs Concrete vs Steel: LCA Comparison
Across virtually all LCA impact categories, timber demonstrates lower environmental impacts. Nordic spruce stores approximately 1.6 tonnes CO2 per cubic metre while processing emissions are 0.2-0.3 tonnes, giving a net negative carbon footprint. Concrete emits 0.1-0.2 tonnes CO2 per cubic metre. Structural steel emits 1.5-2.5 tonnes CO2 per tonne.
Whole-Building LCA Results
A timber-framed residential building typically achieves 20-50% lower whole-life carbon than concrete-block equivalent. For commercial buildings, 30-60% reductions are achievable. Well-insulated timber structures with appropriate wall thicknesses perform comparably to masonry in thermal efficiency.
Using LCA Data in B2B Sales
Show functional unit comparison: what impact does a 50m² garden office generate over 50 years in timber versus masonry? For tenders, provide LCA data aligned with EN 15978 stages. Having this readily available gives immediate credibility.
Carbon Handprint: The Positive Story
Every cubic metre of timber used instead of concrete or steel avoids significant emissions. The carbon stored in timber products is locked away for 50-100+ years. At end of life, timber can be reused, recycled, or used for bioenergy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable are LCA comparisons?
LCA methodology is standardised (ISO 14040/14044, EN 15978) and peer-reviewed. Comparisons must use equivalent functional units and consistent data quality.
Do timber buildings have higher maintenance impacts?
Maintenance impact is small compared to product stage benefits. Total life cycle impacts for maintained timber remain significantly lower than concrete or steel.
What about end-of-life impacts?
Timber end-of-life includes reuse, recycling into composites, and energy recovery. All compare favourably to concrete demolition and steel recycling.
Can LCA data help win BREEAM or LEED credits?
BREEAM Mat 01 and LEED MR credits reward LCA-based material selection. Whole-building LCA demonstrating lower impacts directly contributes to higher scores.
