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CIRCULARITY OF TIMBER CONSTRUCTION ACCORDING TO THE LIFE-CYCLE POTENTIAL OF WOOD BY-PRODUCTS

  • Sadhana Fagwani - Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
  • Rohit Wadkar - Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
  • Giuliano Galluccio - Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

DOI 10.31025/2611-4135/2025.19543

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Copyright: © 2025 CISA Publisher

Abstract

This paper examines the integration of life-cycle assessment (LCA) and circular economy principles - specifically practices such as recycling, reuse, reclamation, and upcycling - within wood-based architectural design, building, and construction industry. The aim is to provide a detailed evaluation of the environmental impacts associated with wood and timber materials in the context of sustainable building practices. By analyzing recent studies, this review focuses on how these materials perform environmentally across various life-cycle stages (A1: raw material supply, A3: manufacturing, C1: deconstruction, and C3: waste processing). Each selected study’s materials were assessed mainly for Global Warming potential (GWP) and, where data was available, for other environmental impact indicators based on established LCA frameworks. In addition to environmental assessments, the review documents relevant metadata, including material origin, year of publication, and study sources, to construct a comprehensive dataset. The findings underscore that reclaimed and recycled wood materials offer significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the goals of a circular economy by minimizing resource extraction and waste generation. However, several challenges impede widespread adoption. These include concerns regarding the durability and long-term performance of recycled or reclaimed wood, the economic feasibility of implementing circular practices at scale, and regulatory or policy barriers that can limit the reuse and upcycling of wood materials. Despite these challenges, the study emphasizes the untapped potential of upcycled wood products and the need for further research into their environmental benefits and structural performance in architectural applications.

Keywords

Editorial History

  • Received: 13 Jun 2025
  • Revised: 24 Oct 2025
  • Accepted: 03 Nov 2025
  • Available online: 17 Nov 2025

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