The ERBUD Group company has prepared a tool that will answer the question: what is the carbon footprint of concrete-based construction and timber modules? The calculator was developed in cooperation with the Stanisław Staszic University of Science and Technology in Kraków.
The calculator is the product of complex estimations and analysis of confidential technical data. For the purposes of the on-line tool, these have been simplified to demonstrate the scale of the difference in carbon footprint emissions generated by the two building types.
– The main purpose of the calculator is to provide an indicative calculation of the carbon footprint. Our aim is for the client to be able to see what the CO2 emissions look like for a facility during the creation phase, the transport of raw materials to the construction site and the construction process itself. When constructing the calculator, we considered the building elements from both a masonry and a modular aspect - which raw materials, in what quantity, how much fuel, heat or electricity is used during a specific construction. Bearing in mind the issue of climate change, a better building type is a modular timber building, although we are aware that replacing a traditional structure with a timber one is not always possible. – explains Prof. Paweł Bogacz, PhD Eng, from the Stanisław Staszic University of Science and Technology in Kraków.
The difference between traditional and timber construction is profound. According to the Oekobaudat database, m3 of concrete emits 246 kg of CO2, and 1 m3 of structural timber results in -767 kg of CO2 during the growth phase and approximately -700 kg of CO2 during the entire construction process.
– Environmental sustainability is one of the pillars of ERBUD. By presenting the calculator, we want to highlight with individual examples the difference in emissions of concrete and wood-based construction. At ERBUD, we understand perfectly well how huge this disparity is. That is why we have decided to launch the MOD21 factory. Wooden modular construction is an alternative to traditional, high-carbon construction. It is our response to the expectations and needs of today’s world and changing economy, and the urgency to adopt measures and actions to save our planet from climate catastrophe. – states Dariusz Grzeszczak, President of the ERBUD Group.
The opening of the MOD21 factory will take place on November 29 in Ostaszewo, near Toruń. The inaugural event will be attended by nearly 1,000 guests. The major events will include a panel discussion with, among others, the “German climate pope”, Professor Schellnhuber and other distinguished guests from Poland and Germany, as well as a tour of the factory section itself with the production line.
Under the ERBUD Group’s new business area, which is being developed as part of the MOD21 brand, the Group intends to develop large-scale buildings made of modular timber structures - hotels, office buildings, dormitories, hospitals and public facilities. The Group expects to reach full capacity at the Ostaszewo plant in 2026 and will then produce around 100,000 m2 of total module space per year.
Calculate the carbon footprint of your investment [CALCULATOR]
