Texas-based architecture studio Corgan has unveiled a new tool aimed at improving the accuracy of carbon accounting in mass timber construction. Developed by Corgan’s sustainability division, Echo, alongside its research group, Hugo, the Corgan Mass Timber Carbon Calculator is designed to help architects and designers estimate biogenic carbon emissions specific to mass timber projects. While mass timber is often praised as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials such as steel and concrete, industry-standard life-cycle assessments frequently overlook emissions from wood harvesting and transport. In particular, the decomposition of tree residues including branches, bark, and roots left behind after logging can release significant amounts of carbon back into the atmosphere. Corgan Mass Timber Carbon Calculator. Image courtesy of CorganAccording to Corgan’s accompanying research report, Understanding Real CO2e Emissions in Mass Timber Production, only 35% of harvested tree m...