Mass timber (MT) is seen by many as an answer to construction’s embodied carbon problem. It is suggested using manufactured wooden components in place of concrete or steel could reduce a large chunk of the industry’s estimated 11 per cent contribution to global GHGs. Yet, progress is far from straight-forward. The 2023 Mass Timber Construction Report compiles statistics from portfolios of architects, engineers and builders that shed light on the state of the industry and its challenges. One challenge concerns perceptions of MTC cost premiums. “There is a premium for a mass timber project, up to 15 per cent,” the 264-page report admits. “But median project premium was less than two per cent, and the gap continues to shrink as teams and markets become more experienced.” …For example, the report says prefabrication of MT components can benefit from scheduling savings of up to 25 per cent for the superstructure through improved co-ordination, and by a 50 to 70 per cent reduction in workforce numbers needed for structural framing.