Purpose – This paper compares glued laminated timber and steel beams with respect to structural design, manufacturing and assembly costs, and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents structural design requirements in conformance with EN 1993: Eurocode 5 and Eurocode 3. With the help of these standards, expressions are derived to evaluate the design criteria of the beams. Based on the results of life-cycle analysis, the economic properties and environmental impact of the two types of beam are investigated. In this paper, the effect of beam span on the design values, costs and carbon dioxide emissions is analyzed when investigating aspects of the structural design, economy and environmental impact. Different cross-sections are chosen for this purpose.

Findings – The study shows that the glued laminated (abbreviated as glulam”) beams have a smaller tendency to lateral torsional buckling than the steel beams, and that they can be cheaper. From an environmental point of view, glulam beams are the more environmentally friendly option of the two beam materials. Furthermore, glulam beams may have a direct positive effect on the environment, considering the carbon-storage capacity of the wood. The disadvantage of glued wood is that larger dimensions are sometimes required.

Research limitations/implications – Wind load and the effect of second-order effects have not been considered when analysing the static design. Only straight beams have been studied. Furthermore, the dynamic design of the beams has not been investigated, and the bearing pressure capacity of the supports has not been analyzed. We have investigated timber beams with a rectangular cross-section, and steel beams of rolled I-sections, known as “HEA profiles”. The cost analysis is based mainly on the manufacturing and assembly costs prevalent on the Swedish market. The only environmental impact investigated has been the emission of greenhouse gases. The design calculations are based on the European standards Eurocode 5 and Eurocode 3.

Practical implications – To achieve sustainability in construction engineering, it is important to study the environmental and economic consequences of the building elements. By combining these two effects with the technical design of buildings made of steel and/or timber, the concept of sustainable development can be achieved in the long run.

 Social implications – The study concerns sustainability of building structures, which is an important of the sustainable development of the society.

 Originality/value – The paper contains new information, and will be useful to researchers and civil engineers.