High projected demand for new housing prompts debate on best climate-friendly materials

The number of people living in cities could increase to 80% of the total population by 2100. That could require more new construction between now and 2050 than all the construction done since the start of the industrial revolution.

The influx of urban dwellers could be accommodated in mid-rise buildings from 4 to 12 stories tall made out of wood, according to lead author of a study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Wood is a renewable resource that usually carries the lowest carbon footprint of any comparable, first-time use building material, the study asserted.

Moreover, carbon stored in wood, absorbed from atmospheric CO2 via photosynthesis, makes the material a long-term carbon sink. To accommodate demand for urban housing, though, a lot of wood would be needed. Wooden cities of the future would require a 149-million hectare increase in tree plantations by 2100 and more harvesting from unprotected natural forests.

One problem, some environmentalists say, is that tree plantations have less biodiversity than natural forests. Some green advocates are also critical of harvesting more wood from diverse natural forests.

Natural, biodiverse forests are more resilient to drought, fires and disease, one environmental advocate noted, and pointed out that numerous tree plantations have burned this year as record temperatures and drought impacted many areas across the globe.

Climate change is having a dramatic impact on urban design, in terms of planning, materials, occupant use, location, and the long-term effect of buildings on the environment. Joining BD+C's John Caulfield to discuss this topic are two experts from the Boston-based CBT Architects: Kishore Varanasi, a Principal and director of urban design; and Devanshi Purohit, an Associate Principal.

Multifamily Housing | Jul 14, 2022

Multifamily rents rise again in June, Yardi Matrix reports

Average U.S. multifamily rents rose another $19 in June to edge over $1,700 for the first time ever, according to the latest Yardi® Matrix Multifamily Report.

Building Team | Jul 14, 2022

Austin PBS gets a new state-of-the-art facility with three studios

Since the 1970s, Austin PBS, birthplace of the Austin City Limits TV series, has been based inside the communications building on the University of Texas campus—a space it has long outgrown.

Building Team | Jul 13, 2022

The YIMBY movement emerges as valuable advocate for affordable housing

Over the past few decades, developers grew accustomed to nothing but staunch opposition to dense affordable housing project proposals.

Energy | Jul 13, 2022

Electrification of buildings, new and old, furthers environmental responsibility and equity

It’s almost a cliché in our industry, but nonetheless: The greenest building is the one that is already built.

Building Team | Jul 13, 2022

Austin’s newest entertainment and hospitality complex has been made from repurposed shipping containers

A new entertainment and hospitality complex in Austin, The Pitch, has been made out of repurposed shipping containers.

Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2022

USGBC sets out principles for LEED’s future

The U.S. Green Building Council recently published a report containing principles outlining how LEED will evolve.

Building Team | Jul 12, 2022

10 resource reduction measures for more efficient and sustainable biopharma facilities

Resource reduction measures are solutions that can lead to lifecycle energy and cost savings for a favorable return on investment while simultaneously improving resiliency and promoting health and wellness in your facility.