The Prototype

The prototypes for this project will enable more efficient manufacturing processes to be used to enable faster construction, increased productivity and lower carbon emissions.

This GenZero classroom prototype contains 10t (20m3) of timber. The embodied carbon produced by creating the structural materials and constructing the classroom resulted in 9t of CO2e emissions. However, the carbon stored in the timber during its growth is equivalent to 16t CO2e, meaning the prototype can act as carbon storage during its life.

The 8t (16m3) of glulam and CLT used in this prototype was completely grown and manufactured in Scotland. To produce this much engineered timber requires approximately 27 trees, which would be harvested from an area of approximately 800m2, or about a tenth of a football pitch. The UK’s certified sustainably managed forests cover 1.41 million hectares, meaning enough timber to produce the prototype is grown every 64s in the UK.

During COP26 Construction Scotland Innovation Centre’s Innovation Factory near Glasgow will be home to a host of innovative exhibits plus a range of events and experiences. To find out more about the sustainable built environment - the materials, processes and skills - and about how you can tour some exciting examples of what a sustainable built environment looks like click here.