A new tool to help timber framers and housing professionals reduce upfront embodied carbon and optimise whole-life carbon in new buildings
Woodknowledge Wales has published a new tool to support better decision-making in low-carbon building design and construction. This tool and its associated guidance document provide a practical approach to reducing whole-life carbon emissions—particularly those arising from material choices and construction processes.
This development of this tool funded by Welsh Government and the outputs developed by Toby Maclean on behalf of Woodknowledge Wales in collaboration with Lowfield Timber Frames.
Tool: Timber Framers’ Embodied Carbon Tool
Developed with Lowfield Timber Frames, this interactive spreadsheet tool enables timber frame manufacturers to measure and reduce the embodied carbon of their products.
The tool allows users to:
- Calculate Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions for their operations
- Assess both embodied and stored (biogenic) carbon for specific products
- Compare the carbon impact of different material choices and transport distances
- Provide ready-made data for specifiers and whole-life carbon assessments
Why this matters
As the electricity grid continues to decarbonise and heat pumps become standard, operational carbon is no longer the primary source of emissions in new homes. Instead, reducing upfront embodied carbon—by making smarter material and design choices—offers the most effective way to minimise whole-life emissions.
This resource is intended for:
- Timber frame manufacturers seeking to improve and evidence carbon performance
- Designers and specifiers looking to make informed choices at early design stages
- Housing developers and local authorities aiming to meet carbon reduction targets
- Policy-makers evaluating the implications of performance standards
For further information or support, contact Toby Maclean.
