Forest of Genetic Resource Department in Suwon, Korea.

As South Korea moves to tighten emissions standards for new buildings, including private apartments starting later this month, policymakers are looking to timber-based construction as a viable path toward carbon neutrality in the housing sector.

A new report from the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) underscores the urgency of shifting away from traditional carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel. Globally, construction accounts for 42% of CO₂ emissions—27% from building operations and 15% from materials and construction processes. The government has committed to reducing building-sector emissions by 32.8% by 2030 as part of its national climate goals.

However, the report notes that traditional post-construction efficiency upgrades—like insulation, lighting improvements, or renewable energy adoption—offer diminishing returns. Instead, the authors propose a strategic pivot toward timber-based Off-Site Construction (OSC), where pre-fabricated wood components are assembled on-site.

Timber offers superior insulation—seven times that of concrete and 176 times that of steel—and stores carbon rather than emitting it. Research cited in the report suggests that replacing concrete frames with timber can reduce emissions by up to 49%, with further savings possible through the use of wood-based interior walls.

In economic terms, wood-based OSC also shortens construction timelines and improves airtightness, enhancing energy efficiency and overall housing quality. LH’s existing roadmap for modular housing, however, currently focuses on concrete and steel, which the report says runs counter to decarbonization goals.

As a practical first step, LH is considering replacing pre-cast concrete apartment exteriors with timber-based OSC panels. The study identifies ten government-led projects—including public housing renovations and redevelopment agreements—as suitable candidates for such pilot programs. The report also suggests prioritizing wooden structures in facilities for seniors and families with young children due to their environmental and health benefits.

“With one-third of global industrial emissions coming from the construction sector, South Korea cannot achieve its 2050 carbon neutrality target without a radical transformation in building materials,” the report concludes. “Timber-based architecture is emerging as a crucial solution globally and domestically for reducing and storing carbon.”

Source: koreabizwire.com