INTEGRATION OF MASS TIMBER TECHNOLOGIES INTO NET ZERO STRATEGIES AND POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION OF URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE IN UKRAINE (CASE STUDY OF KHARKIV)

Abstract

The study investigates the potential of integrating Mass Timber technologies, including Cross- Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam), into building sector decarbonization strategies in accordance with the Net Zero concept and the requirements of postwar reconstruction in Ukraine. A comparative assessment of the technical, economic, and environmental performance of engineered timber systems and conventional reinforced concrete Н.В. Внукова , В.С. Слобожанюк structures was conducted. The carbon footprint of construction materials was evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology in compliance with ISO 14040/14044 standards for the A1–A3 (Cradle-to-Gate) stages. The results demonstrate that Mass Timber technologies contribute to significant reductions in embodied carbon, accelerated construction processes, improved building energy efficiency, and the establishment of a positive carbon balance through long-term carbon sequestration in wood. Mathematical modelling showed that 1 m³ of structural timber can store approximately 917 kg of CO₂. The resource potential of North-Eastern Ukraine was analysed, confirming favourable conditions for the establishment of a regional Mass Timber cluster capable of supporting large-scale housing and infrastructure reconstruction. Practical recommendations are proposed regarding the localization of CLT production, adaptation of national regulations to Eurocode 5 requirements, implementation of pilot demonstration projects, and development of mechanisms for monetizing carbon benefits through voluntary carbon markets. The findings confirm that Mass Timber technologies can serve as one of the key instruments for sustainable post-war recovery and decarbonization of Ukraine’s construction sector.