Background Data in the Context of Pinus sylvestris, L. Glued Laminated Timber Manufacturing in Spain

Abstract

The construction sector is achieving its goal of decarbonization. Bioproducts are known to reduce the environmental footprint of the building process, but it is necessary that we determine their exact environmental value. However, assessing the environmental impact relating to buildings is challenging due to a lack of data. The objective of this study was to generate background datasets contextualized to Pinus sylvestrys, L. glulam manufacturing in Spain and apply those datasets to a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate both embodied energy (EE) and carbon (EC), as well as biogenic carbon and emissions to air. The corresponding raw materials and energy flows required to apply the LCA methodology were gathered and processed from information from the Spanish forest and wood industry. The resulting background datasets include 27 vehicles and machines, which allowed the quantification of four impact category indicators: renewable primary energy (resources), non-renewable primary energy (resources), use of renewable secondary fuels and global warming potential. Biogenic carbon was also calculated. Based on those five values, the embodied energy and carbon of Pinus sylvestris, L. glulam were quantified: EE = 1401 MJ/UD and EC = −724 kgCO2-eq/UD. The generation of background datasets and environmental information is innovative and of great interest, and it is a powerful tool for prescribers and technicians.