ENERGY EFFICIENCY

CLT structures are designed and built in view of saving energy thanks to their excellent thermal performance and air tightness. With their natural insulation qualities, thermal inertia and the low thermal conductivity of the wood, CLT panels actively contribute to the insulation of the building envelope that needs very little energy during heating (winter) and cooling (summer), especially when compared to a building with the traditional construction system (steel and reinforced concrete).

CLT is five times more insulating than concrete and 350 times more so than steel. That means less energy is needed to heat and cool a wooden CLT building.

A CLT building can reach a 60% level of energy saving (100% when designing passive houses). It is also the only material with negative CO2 emissions and with a superior thermal insulation compared to all other building materials.

CLT structures are also better for the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and other impacts. Steel and concrete consume 12% and 20% more energy, emit 15% and 29% more greenhouse gases, and release 10% and 12% more pollutants into the air, and generate 300% and 225% more water pollutants than CLT, respectively.

CLT used for external wall has high performance in term of:

• Protection during winter (10 cm X-LAM = 35-40 cm bricks)

•Protection during summer (X-LAM walls have higher mass then frame walls)

• Wind and air resistance due to taping and sealing

• Reduction of thermal bridges

TYPICAL EXAMPLE: STANDARD EXTERNAL WALL

External insulation with plaster120 mm

X-LAM 100mm

Space for piping and electric 50/75/100mm with insulation inside

Gypsum board 12+12mm

Thermal transmittance U: <= 0,20 W/m2K

Noise protection Rw: about60

Thermal lag: >12 hh