Madeira engenheirada como alternativa ao concreto em habitações sociais no Brasil: perspectivas da análise de energia do ciclo de vida

Abstract

The differences in energy consumption over the life cycle of glued laminated timber (GLT) and cast-in-place reinforced concrete structures were assessed through Life Cycle Energy Analysis (LCEA), with a focus on modules A (production, transport, and construction) and C (end-of-life). The modeling was carried out using the OpenLCA software, employing the LCA Commons database and the Cumulative Energy Demand methodology. The results indicate that GLT concentrates its highest impact in stage A3 (industrial production), mainly due to gluing and pressing processes, reaching values close to 1,600 MJ. In contrast, reinforced concrete exhibited higher energy demand during transport (A4–A5) and disposal (C) stages, exceeding 1,300 MJ and 1,000 MJ, respectively, with a total energy consumption above 3,600 MJ. GLT, on the other hand, showed a total energy consumption on the order of 2,800 MJ, with approximately 37.6% associated with transport, whereas this share reached 50% for concrete. Despite the higher embodied energy in the industrial production of engineered wood, its lower mass and simpler logistics chain resulted in a more efficient overall performance. The study suggests that GLT represents a promising alternative for low-energy-impact social housing in Brazil, provided it is supported by local production chains, adequate standardization, and incentive-oriented public policies.