Energy efficiency and a sustainability focus: Multi-storey buildings with cross-laminated timber for energy and cost savings
Developers are faced with an exciting choice of building materials when they plan and develop apartment buildings. One alternative that offers both sustainability and major energy savings is cross-laminated timber (CLT). Choosing a CLT frame, can contribute to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and take steps towards a more sustainable future.
In today’s world, where sustainability and energy efficiency are key priorities, developers are actively seeking ways to reduce energy consumption in their projects while also maintaining high standards of quality and comfort. This is where CLT can provide a solution.
One of the most significant benefits of CLT is its natural insulating properties. CLT panels consist of several bonded layers stacked crosswise that create a strong and stable frame while minimising heat loss. This high insulating ability helps to maintain a more even indoor temperature and reduces the need for constant heating or cooling. As a result, the energy consumption of apartment buildings can be significantly lowered, leading to major cost savings for both the developer and the residents.
Lagerkransen, a multi-storey building in Lund
Lagerkransen, a multi-storey building in Lund, is a project built with a CLT frame and clear results in terms of a contribution to energy efficiency.
The building’s climate declaration shows average embodied carbon of 192 kg CO₂e per m² of habitable floor area throughout the entire life cycle of the building. Moreover, the primary energy consumption indicates that the building consumes an average of 55.4 kWh of energy per m² of gross floor area during the use phase. This is more than 50 percent lower than the average for buildings, which usually varies between 100–200 kWh, depending on factors such as the type of building and climatic conditions in the region. These figures give an indication of the building’s low environmental impact and energy efficiency, which also contributed to its Swedish “Environmental Construction Gold certification”.
A total of 500 CLT elements were used to construct the project, which was delivered on 23 truck trailers. The assembly took three to four days per floor. The project developer is Wästbygg a contracting and project development company in Sweden.
This is not only because CLT enables optimised energy efficiency, it also creates a faster and smoother construction process. With preassembled CLT panels, construction projects can be implemented faster than with traditional construction methods. This efficiency means that developers can complete their projects faster and reduce disruptions for the residents and surrounding community.
It is important to note that CLT is an eco-friendly alternative. Wood is a renewable resource and by choosing CLT, developers are helping to reduce CO₂ emissions and stores carbon in the building itself. CLT is also recyclable and can be dismantled for use in another place or converted into other products at the end of the building’s life cycle.
For developers who are striving to meet energy efficiency targets while also investing in sustainability, CLT frames are a favourable choice for apartment buildings. With its insulating properties, construction efficiency and eco-friendly properties, CLT can contribute to a solution for the creation of energy-efficient buildings.
By embracing CLT, developers can achieve lower energy consumption and cost savings and contribute to a more sustainable future. The choice is clear – CLT is an innovative and forward-looking solution that is taking energy efficiency and sustainability to new heights.
*’192 kg CO₂e per m²’ refers to the average amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases that are generated per m² of habitable floor area. ‘CO₂e’ stands for carbon dioxide equivalents and is used to include other greenhouse gases such as methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) and convert them into a unit that can be compared with CO₂ emissions.
*’55.4 kWh per m²’ refers to the average primary consumption of energy per m² of gross floor area (GFA) in the building. GFA includes all heated spaces in the building and is used to measure the total area enclosed within the building’s envelope.
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Ämnen: Byggsystem, Södra Building System
