Milwaukee’s New Timber Tower is a Call to Climate Action
According to the United Nations, 37% of global emissions are caused by the building and construction sector, 10% of which stem from the manufacturing of concrete. This is precisely why Milwaukee’s newest skyscraper will be built with sustainability in mind, making it the world’s tallest timber tower.
Designed by the Vancouver-based studio MGA, the plan is to convert a concrete parking lot into a space for residential units, offices, public plazas, and various stores. Among these new buildings, MGA will design a 600-foot skyscraper made completely out of timber. Milwaukee is already home to the world’s tallest wooden tower; however, this new design will dwarf the previous record holder, almost tripling its height.
Why more people should embrace timber
The architects behind the design emphasize that this is not just a vanity project. It isn’t about breaking records, but about highlighting sustainable building practices. The goal is, quite frankly, to set a new global benchmark for mass timber construction.
The severe lack of such structures across the U.S. is primarily due to building regulations and the cost of timber. However, since updating the International Building Code in 2021, mass timber constructions can now exceed six stories in height. Moreover, timber has become a much more affordable material for construction.
Another reason timber skyscrapers are not as popular across the country, could be the lack of attention climate change still receives to this day. Despite being addressed in the media and politicians worldwide, climate change still seems to be considered a non-issue by many. According to climate activists, local and federal governments need to take action immediately and effectively if we wish to achieve the global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Although building practices have significantly improved over the years, construction sites remain precarious locations, especially when working with timber.
CO2 emissions from buildings and construction hit new high, leaving sector off track to decarbonize by 2050
Source: unep.org
Minimizing risks when working with timber
Many people still believe timber to be a highly combustible material, therefore, extremely devastating were a fire to break out. In reality, timber is not as dangerous as people believe. Wood structures are, in fact, “self-insulating”. In the event of a fire, the outside layer of the wood would char, this can prevent or slow down the fire from spreading elsewhere.
Nevertheless, these structures require adequate protection during early construction phases, as even a small fire can eventually grow out of control and engulf the entire site. By embracing revolutionary wireless technology, temporary work sites can benefit from an adequate level of protection.By combining Ramtech’s WES3 and REACT systems, projects can proceed without the risk of a small, unidentified incident causing significant damage—or worse, putting lives at risk.
Milwaukee’s Timber Tower: a 600-foot call to action
Milwaukee’s next world’s tallest timber tower, a 55-story testament to sustainable construction, should inspire more cities to follow suit. With an estimated cost of $700 million, ensuring this project doesn’t suffer from unnecessary damages is paramount. Furthermore, Ramtech’s groundbreaking technology can significantly reduce the risk of fires, which may help de-stigmatize the idea of timber skyscrapers.
As the price of timber becomes more affordable and regulations less stringent, building with timber has become an ideal solution for lowering global emissions. In fact, it is estimated that, by using wood in the building and construction sector, emissions can be cut by 60%. Therefore, if we wish to cut carbon emissions and reach the UN’s goal by 2050, it’s important to embrace wireless technology as it ensures these projects are carried out safely.
