This assessment compares the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from the embodied energy of variety of different building materials that could be used in the construction of a 2 bed semi-detached house, a 3 bed detached house and a 4 storey block of flats. In addition this study quantifies the potential GHG benefits of increasing the timber content of the 3 types of accommodation.

The impact of transport on the overall GHG balance of timber is also assessed by comparing a range of hypothetical supply chains.