Moving the ‘Masses’ toward Taller Timber Construction: Codes, Design Steps & Environmental Impacts

We are at an exciting confluence in timber construction. The need for sustainable, urban construction has never been higher. As members of the AEC industry, it is our responsibility to understand and champion low embodied carbon building materials. The intent of this session is to give attendees the ammunition they need to advocate for mass timber in low-rise to tall structures, navigate codes and standards, and inspire interest/ support from clients, contractors, permitting and approval agencies, community members and beyond. We will hear from three industry experts – a contractor, a mass timber engineer, and a sustainability professional – on how they have approached mass timber on their projects and where they see the industry going in New England and beyond. 

Session Chair(s): 

Event Time: 

Thursday, August 13, 2020 - 9:15am to 10:45am

Room / Location:
Harbor III

Experience Level: 

2 (some prior experience/knowledge helpful)

CEU Information: 

AIA 1.5 LU/HSW
MA CSL 1.5 hour, Elective

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the benefits and potential uses of mass timber for high performance buildings
  • Compare the environmental impact of mass timber construction as opposed to traditional concrete or steel, and understand the principles of procurement to harvest this resource sustainably
  • Discuss the barriers to mass timber construction in the Northeast and the tactics to overcome them
  • Identify key stakeholders, organizations, and commitments which others have taken on to encourage the development of sustainable mass timber applications in the Northeast region

Session ID: 

BOS20-106