Mass timber gains ground: B.C. building codes now permit taller structures

Building code updates in British Columbia now allow for taller mass-timber buildings, up to 18 storeys, as part of the province’s decarbonization efforts. RJC Engineers principal Grant Newfield highlights the sustainability and fire safety of mass timber, differentiating it from traditional lumber.

Mass timber is harder to ignite and can meet fire-safety standards comparable to steel and concrete. The 2020 National Building Code adopted mass-timber provisions for buildings up to 12 storeys, and the 2023 B.C. Building Code extends this to 18 storeys. These changes support local forestry and aim to reduce carbon emissions in construction.