The idea that mass timber is the most sustainable option for the built environment and is a “climate-friendly alternative” to concrete as suggested in “Nation’s Tallest Wooden Building Rises in Ohio” misses the forest for the trees. Like trees, concrete buildings also absorb carbon dioxide. But unlike wood, concrete is a true “carbon vault” because it never rots or burns, stopping release of CO 2 back to the atmosphere. But that alone doesn’t make concrete more sustainable than timber. …Concrete buildings require less maintenance, can be repurposed because they last much longer and make the heating and cooling of buildings more efficient, reducing emissions during the use phase. …Considering the full spectrum of environmental impact, concrete is the key to creating sustainability in the built environment. [We respect the copyrights of the source publication – full access may require a subscription]