The Environmental Benefits of Glulam Beams

Glulam is not just a strong and versatile building material—it’s also one of the most environmentally friendly choices available. In this blog, we’ll explore why glulam beams are a sustainable option and how they contribute to eco-friendly construction.

Glulam Has a Low Carbon Footprint

One of the biggest advantages of glulam beams is their low embodied carbon. Unlike steel and concrete, which require high-energy processes to produce, glulam is made from natural, renewable timber.

• Timber absorbs CO₂ as it grows, meaning trees used for glulam store carbon throughout their lifetime. Even after being processed into beams, this stored carbon remains locked in the wood, reducing the overall carbon footprint of a building.
• Manufacturing glulam requires far less energy than producing steel or concrete, which are major contributors to global CO₂ emissions.

According to research, using timber over steel or concrete in construction can reduce emissions by up to 75%. 

Sustainably Sourced from Renewable Forests

A common concern about using timber in construction is deforestation. However, most glulam beams are sourced from sustainably managed forests, where trees are replanted to maintain healthy ecosystems.

• Many suppliers follow FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) standards, ensuring responsible forestry practices.
• Managed forests absorb more CO₂ than unmanaged forests, making them an essential part of fighting climate change.

Less Waste and More Efficiency

Traditional solid timber beams often result in significant waste due to size limitations and defects. In contrast, glulam is made by laminating smaller pieces of timber together, meaning:

• Less wood is wasted during production.
• Smaller or lower-grade timber can be used effectively, maximising resources.
• Offcuts from the manufacturing process can be repurposed for wood pellets, biofuel, or other timber products.

This makes glulam a more efficient use of raw materials compared to traditional sawn timber.

Long Lifespan and Durability

Durability is a key factor in sustainability. The longer a material lasts, the lower its environmental impact over time.

Glulam is engineered for strength, often outperforming solid wood in load-bearing applications. It is:

• Highly resistant to warping and cracking due to its laminated structure.
• Naturally durable and adaptable, reducing the need for replacements.
• Less prone to fire damage than steel—while steel weakens at high temperatures, glulam retains its structural integrity longer due to its charring effect, which protects the inner layers.

Because of this, buildings constructed with glulam require fewer repairs and less material over time, reducing overall resource consumption.

Glulam Supports Energy-Efficient Buildings

Beyond being a sustainable material itself, glulam also contributes to energy-efficient building design.

• Better insulation properties – Timber has a much higher thermal resistance than steel or concrete, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Lighter weight means less material transport emissions – Because glulam is significantly lighter than concrete or steel, it requires less fuel for transport, further lowering its carbon footprint.
• Compatible with passive and low-energy building techniques – Glulam is often used in eco-friendly structures like Passivhaus buildings, where airtightness and thermal efficiency are key.

Glulam Beams Are Recyclable and Biodegradable

Unlike concrete and steel, which often end up in landfill after demolition, glulam is biodegradable and recyclable. Old glulam beams can be:

• Reused in new construction projects.
• Repurposed into furniture, flooring, or other wood products.
• Processed into biomass energy instead of contributing to landfill waste.

This makes glulam a truly circular material, supporting sustainability throughout its entire lifecycle.

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If you've had glulam specified for your build, you can order roof trusses online in just a few minutes. Or, if you'd rather speak to someone, you can get in contact with us here.