Cascading reuse

Cascading reuse of timber refers to the principle of using wood in multiple stages—first for high-value material applications, then for lower-value uses, and finally for energy recovery. It’s a cornerstone of circular economy thinking in the forestry and construction sectors.

🌲 What Is Cascading Use?

According to the European Commission:

• Single-stage cascade: Wood is used once for material purposes, then for energy.

• Multi-stage cascade: Wood is reused or recycled multiple times in material form before final energy recovery or disposal.

The goal is to maximize the environmental and economic value of timber throughout its lifecycle.

🏗️ Practical Example: CascadeUp Project

The CascadeUp initiativedemonstrated how reclaimed solid wood from demolition sites can be reused to manufacture:

• Glued-laminated secondary timber (glulamST)

• Cross-laminated secondary timber (CLST)

These were assembled into modular, demountable building structures—offering a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete.

🔄 Benefits of Cascading Reuse

• Carbon storage: Extends the life of harvested wood products (HWP), keeping carbon locked in.

• Resource efficiency: Reduces demand for virgin timber.

• Waste reduction: Diverts wood from landfills or incineration.

• Substitution effect: Reused timber can replace more carbon-intensive materials.