Material choices are the key in resource-efficient construction

Resource efficiency benefits the entire construction value chain from material manufacturers and designers to construction companies, property owners and end users, as it reduces costs, improves competitiveness and can create new business opportunities in the construction sector.

Evaluating materials is essential

Effective planning is essential when creating low-emission and material-efficient buildings. Each construction material has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications, and no single material is perfect for all scenarios. By evaluating the overall environmental impact of materials, including their production, use, and end-of-life disposal, we can make balanced and informed decisions.

Prioritising materials that enable resource-efficient solutions and offer high performance with minimal environmental impact is crucial in construction projects. “Thoughtful design and careful selection of materials at the early stages of a construction project can significantly enhance resource efficiency and reduce the overall carbon footprint. By adopting sustainable practices from the outset, we can achieve the best environmental outcomes and contribute to a more sustainable future”, explains Rosa Zabihian, Sustainability Manager from Metsä Wood.

Material efficiency benefits different stakeholders

Using material-efficient construction materials offers remarkable advantages. The primary benefit lies in their ability to reduce the amount of raw materials needed, which in turn lowers the energy consumption and emissions associated with the specific construction solution. For instance, using lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratios can result in less material being required for the same structural performance, leading to substantial reductions in carbon emissions.

For real-estate investors and developers, using resource-efficient material solutions reduces the need for raw materials, which may enable project cost savings and increased profit margins. Material efficiency can also lead to thinner wall structures meaning more square meters can be obtained for sale. Meeting environmental regulations and qualifying for green certifications e.g. BREEAM and LEED can provide financial incentives and improve reputation. Sustainable projects may also attract more environmentally conscious customers and can lead to higher property values and faster sales.

For construction companies, less material handling and transport streamline construction, reducing labor costs and project timelines. Less material on construction sites means also less waste management expenses. Sustainable practices can attract clients who value environmental responsibility, enhancing market position.

Resource-efficient construction materials offer architects and engineers a powerful pathway to smarter, more sustainable design. By optimising structural performance with minimal material use, we can reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and support faster, more cost-effective project delivery. Resource-efficient materials enable lighter, more versatile structures that maintain safety and functionality while allowing for creative and distinctive architectural expression.

Embracing material efficiency not only supports innovation but also enhances professional reputation. As real estate investors, developers and construction companies are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions, the commitment to resource-efficient design positions architects and engineers as forward-thinking leaders in the construction sector. In this way, efficient materials are not just a practical choice; they can also be a strategic asset in modern construction.

According to a new verified study, Kerto^® LVL brings over 70 % smaller fossil climate impact and over 80 % material savings by weight compared to steel reinforced concrete  

The new comparative study made by an international engineering, design and advisory company AFRY, highlights the significant climate benefits of Kerto LVL when compared to traditional steel reinforced concrete in certain applications. “In floor structures, using floor elements made of Kerto LVL instead of steel reinforced concrete, it can result in over 70% smaller fossil climate impact per square meter, with a fossil climate impact of 29 kg CO₂e compared to 105 kg CO₂e for steel reinforced concrete. Moreover, the material consumption per square meter for Kerto LVL is only 34 kg, whereas reinforced steel concrete requires 675 kg”, Rosa Zabihian explains. Location for the building site was assumed to be in Central-Europe, with local production for concrete and Kerto LVL’s production in Finland and transported to Central-Europe. The study was critically reviewed by Research institutes of Sweden, RISE and Ramboll.

For the wall structure, two different load-bearing inner-core structures of external wall elements were compared: one was traditional steel reinforced concrete, and the other was Kerto LVL. The study reveals that Kerto LVL results in a fossil climate impact of 52 kg CO₂e per square meter, while steel reinforced concrete has a fossil climate impact of 68 kg CO₂e per m2. The overall fossil climate impact from the entire lifecycle of Kerto LVL is over 20% smaller compared to steel reinforced concrete. The material consumption per square meter of wall for Kerto LVL is 60 kg compared to 463 kg for reinforced steel concrete, meaning over 80% less usage of material in weight. This comparison illustrates the benefits of using resource-efficient materials in construction to minimize environmental impact.

Reducing carbon footprint with material-efficient construction practices

The results of the study show the climate advantages of building floor and wall structures with Kerto LVL compared to reinforced steel concrete. This can help identify opportunities for emission reduction in construction projects. By adopting material-efficient and low-carbon construction practices, all stakeholders within the construction industry can reduce the carbon footprint of building projects and contribute to more sustainable development. At Metsä Wood, innovative, material efficient and low-emission construction applications are developed together with other material and solution suppliers in the construction industry.

About the study

The comparative lifecycle assessment study (fossil GWP) was done by AFRY and 3rd party verified by RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) and Ramboll (2024). The study included all phases of products’ life cycle, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life (“cradle to grave”) excluding credits from energy and material recovery. Location for the building site was assumed to be in Central-Europe, with local production for concrete and Kerto LVL’s production in Finland and transported to Central-Europe. It is important to note that there can be significant differences in the carbon footprints of individual products within the same product category, depending on the producer.

The comparative study was carefully structured to ensure an equitable evaluation of both alternatives, striving for maximum fairness and objectivity. Thus, published comparisons focus on GWP-fossil impact do not include credits from end-of-life when burning wood for energy. Also, carbon storage of wood is excluded from the comparison. For concrete an average EPD value from Betoniteollisuus ry (Association of Concrete Industry in Finland) was used and for Kerto LVL values from its EPD published in 2020 were used. The concept of EPDs is based on the standard ISO 14025.

For material consumption per application 5 meter span was used to floor application and load-bearing lower floor for an 8-story building was used for wall application. Material consumption of steel reinforced concrete was defined by AFRY’s structural engineer. The compared GWP-fossil values per cubic meter of the material were quite similar for Kerto LVL and steel reinforced concrete thus the good result of Kerto LVL is driven by its light weight and high strength-to-weight ratio. LCA report is available on request.