Concrete homes match timber for whole life carbon

New research shows negligible difference in whole life carbon emissions between concrete and timber construction for new homes, according to the Mineral Products Association (MPA).

The study, commissioned by the Future Homes Hub (FHH), assessed the whole life carbon performance of different construction types using the FHH’s Whole Life Carbon Tool. The report found that for a new mid-terrace house, whole life carbon emissions ranged from 571 to 584 kgCO₂e/m², with a difference of just two per cent between concrete masonry and timber-framed options.

The report concluded that the various material specifications have broadly similar upfront and whole life embodied carbon impacts, with no single construction method offering a “silver bullet” solution for carbon reduction.

The MPA welcomed the findings, arguing that concrete’s additional benefits — such as fire resistance, durability, thermal mass, longevity, and a resilient local supply chain — alongside advances in low carbon concrete technologies, make it a superior and sustainable choice for future housebuilding.

Elaine Toogood, senior director for concrete at the MPA, said: “Measurement is key to reducing the carbon footprint of all buildings over their whole lives, so it’s good to see the Future Homes Hub publishing this study based on their Whole Life Carbon Tool.

As the report states, all construction products will need to decarbonise to help reduce the housing sector’s carbon footprint. The UK concrete industry will continue to make progress on its Roadmap to Beyond Net Zero, including accelerating the availability of lower carbon concrete products and helping housebuilders make informed choices.”

The Future Homes Hub was created to support collaboration across the housing sector to meet climate and environmental goals. The new report aims to equip developers and designers with practical data to guide decision-making as the industry moves towards net zero targets.

Robert McIlveen, senior director for communications and public affairs at the MPA, added: “All too often we observe evidence-free, hyperbolic rhetoric on the use of construction materials in political debate, so it’s really welcome to have a measured, data-led report for all parties to base their decisions on.

The message to developers and policymakers is clear: don’t exchange the long-term resilience of concrete for marginal carbon savings from the use of timber.”

The MPA represents the UK’s aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete and industrial minerals sectors, providing a collective voice for over 90% of Great Britain’s aggregates and ready-mixed concrete production.

For more information, visit Mineral Products Association.