On the whole, modern buildings have large carbon footprints, thanks to pollution-heavy concrete, steel, insulation, and more. …So it’s no surprise that the search is underway to shrink emissions. …These developments are mostly written about in scientific research papers and professional journals … here are just a sampling:

Building with wood: “mass” or “engineered” timber:

• “The trees and the forest of new towers” (Stephen Wallis, NYT) and “Sustainable building effort reaches new heights with wooden skyscrapers” (Kurt Kleiner, Knowable Magazine, reprinted here at Yale Climate Connections). These two overviews focus on the potential without ignoring the problems, which can include replacing mature and old-growth forests with plantations. For a purely optimistic view, read “This old-school building material could take over city skylines” (William Booth, Washington Post)
• “Wood, now turbocharged with carbon-capture powers.” Prachi Patel, Anthropocene Magazine. Replacing one ingredient of wood (lignin) can increase strength, durability, carbon storage, even transparency.