Review of sustainability assessment methods for wood used in the construction sector

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This study analyses current methodologies for assessing environmental, economic, and social sustainability of wood products from virgin and recovered sources used in construction. The results reveal significant discrepancies in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) studies conducted and a lack of consistency in the methodologies employed. The absence of standardised guidelines particularly for LCC and S-LCA hinders widespread adoption of these assessments and the reliability of outcomes. Shortcomings in methodological approaches include inadequately defined functional units, lack of consistent consideration for end-of-life (EoL) allocation methods and the treatment of biogenic carbon. Critically, most studies fail to adequately evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the data employed. Significant variations also exist in scope definitions, impact category selections, and interpretations of results. To address these limitations of current studies, this review offers suggestions for more reliable assessments of sustainability of wood products applicable across sectors such as, harmonising standardisation efforts alongside robust functional unit definitions, improved data quality assessment, consistent scope and impact assessment, integrated life cycle thinking, a 'cradle-to-cradle' perspective enhanced uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, and a focus on close-to-reality EoL allocation methods as well as incorporation of inherited biogenic carbon. These findings and suggestions will foster a more consistent and transparent approach to cross-sector LCA, LCC, and S-LCA implementation, ultimately improving decision-making regarding material selection in construction.

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