The University of British Columbia (UBC) is to use cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam for the construction of a biomass power plant in Vancouver, Canada, in order to reduce its carbon footprint.
The new building is being constructed to demonstrate the commercial and technical viability of a 1.9MW biomass energy system. UBC plans to use waste from Vancouver’s parks and recreations department to fuel the generator.
McFarland Marceau Architects principal Larry McFarland was reported stating that the biomass power facility, now under construction, will be 200x80ft, and will contain about 600m³ of engineered wood, including CLT and glulam.
The upper floor of the building will house a control booth, labs for biomass research and a public walkway on a catwalk.
Mr McFarland said that CLT would cost more than steel, but UBC chose timber because of the speed of construction and its carbon credentials.
