Environmental Impacts of Multi-Storey Buildings Using Different ...

- 22 -University of Sassari and the Technical University of Milan, in Italy, and other overseasuniversities and research establishments as appropriate.3.5.2 VisionThe central focussing question which has driven the formation of STIC is;How can New Zealand create new markets both nationally and internationally forinnovative timber building systems, which will allow cost-effective construction ofattractive, flexible and durable buildings, with reduced construction time and much lowerenvironmental impacts than traditional construction ?STIC is driving the development of innovative large-span timber buildings for a wide range ofuses in New Zealand, Australia and other export markets. Primary applications includecommercial, educational, industrial, recreational and residential buildings.These buildings will have their main structural members manufactured from high qualityengineered timber components including Glulam and LVL (laminated veneer lumber). Thebuildings will be from single storey to six storeys or more.Compared with buildings from traditional materials, these new buildings will be:• More attractive and more desirable places to live and work.• Lower in weight, with easier transportation of components and less expensivefoundations.• Less expensive to construct through good design and extensive prefabrication.• Easier to heat and cool with better acoustic performance.• More resistant to major earthquakes and extreme weather events.• Safer in fire and other emergencies.• Less energy-intensive in the manufacture of materials and life-time use, resulting in lowerCO 2 emissions, helping to meet government’s objectives of carbon neutrality.• Less wasteful of materials, with lower environmental emissions during construction andre-use.3.5.33.5.4 STIC ObjectivesThe Structural Timber Innovation Company (STIC) has created a step change in NewZealand’s wood manufacturing and construction industries. It is enhancing the internationalcompetitiveness of the wood manufacturing sector and developing innovative solutions forconstruction of timber buildings world-wide.STIC targets sustainable construction, developing new building solutions which greatlyreduce environmental impacts. It is developing a wide range of new, high-value structuralproducts, and is adding value to lower grade wood products that are part of the totalconstruction package.STIC is developing, commercialising and facilitating new structural timber solutions for NewZealand and Australia followed by the United States and other export markets. Developmenthas started with large-span, single-storey buildings, moving on to two to six storey open plan