How Is Cross Laminated Timber Revolutionizing Green Construction?
With construction contributing nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, industry professionals, including designers and builders, are striving to minimize their environmental impact by incorporating renewable materials and sustainable design into their projects. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has become popular across various nations for both residential and commercial construction. CLT consists of multiple layers of structural-grade lumber, arranged crosswise and bonded together to enhance strength and stability.
Makret Overview of cross laminated timber
CLT is created by stacking multiple layers of lumber in alternating orientations, which enhances its structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity. Each layer is typically composed of three or more boards, with the grain direction of adjacent layers rotated at 90 degrees. This orthogonal arrangement allows CLT panels to span bi-directionally, making them suitable for a wide range of structural applications. The history of CLT dates back to the early 20th century, with significant advancements occurring in Europe during the 1990s. The first patents resembling CLT were developed in the 1920s, however, it was not until the late 1990s that it gained widespread acceptance, particularly in Austria and Germany.
Promising advantages of CLT in construction
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) offers numerous advantages that extend well beyond its structural capabilities. As a renewable resource, timber effectively isolates carbon dioxide throughout its lifecycle, making CLT a compelling choice for environmentally conscious builders pursuing net-zero energy goals. The prefabrication process of CLT panels allows for precise manufacturing and significantly reduces on-site construction time, which leads to lower labor costs and minimized waste. In addition, architects value the design flexibility that CLT provides, enabling innovative architectural solutions for both mid-rise and high-rise buildings. Furthermore, , CLT exhibits impressive fire resistance due to its mass, allowing it to burn slowly and maintain structural integrity during fire exposure.
Potential applications of cross laminated timber
The cross laminated timber industry witnessed significant growth owing to increase in demand for sustainable construction materials, advancements in manufacturing technologies, and surge in emphasis on energy-efficient building practices. According to Allied Market Research, the sector is projected to rise at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2032.
Moreover, increase in use of CLT panels in various structural elements within buildings is expected to create wider opportunities for the sector in the coming years. CLT is commonly used for floor systems, providing quick installation and the capacity to support substantial loads, often enhanced by concrete toppings for increased strength. Large CLT panels are ideal for roofing, enabling rapid enclosure of structures due to their lightweight nature. In addition, CLT is used for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, offering excellent dimensional stability that enhances insulation and energy efficiency. Furthermore, it serves as an effective lateral load-resisting system for shear walls and diaphragms, while elevator and stair shafts made from CLT offer greater fire resistance ratings without requiring extra finishes.
Cambium introduced first CLT product made from salvaged wood
In February 2025, Cambium, a supply chain technology company transforming the wood industry, launched Carbon Smart™ Wood for mass timber, the first cross-laminated timber (CLT) product made from salvaged wood. Carbon Smart™ CLT offers a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive materials such as steel and concrete by integrating carbon avoidance, traceability, and high-performance engineering. It stores about one metric ton of CO₂ per cubic meter. Partnering with leading CLT manufacturers, Cambium ensures quality and supply while supporting a circular economy. Ben Christensen, the CEO of Cambium said that with this launch, the company plans to set a new standard for sustainable construction, emphasizing the product’s environmental and economic value in the $100 billion U.S. green building sector.
The essence
With rise in demand for sustainable construction materials, cross-laminated timber is emerging as a key solution. Its strength, versatility, and environmental benefits make it ideal for modern architecture. In addition, ongoing advancements in construction materials and increase in adoption CLT is likely to play a key role in shaping the future of green building worldwide.