Sustainable Timber Solutions
Traditional Material
Building with timber is by no means a new method of construction. This traditional method of building has been used for centuries and is considered one of the most sustainable. In a world fighting the effects of climate change, it seems strange that cutting down trees for construction can be classed as sustainable. However, timber emits less carbon during production than most other building materials and, provided forests are properly managed, timber is the only truly renewable building material. Properly managed forests ensure that for every one tree cut down, many more are replanted.
Deforestation
Globally, we know, deforestation is a major issue. Three years ago, the Guardian reported the shocking figure that the world was losing 64m acres of forest a year, which is the size of Great Britain. In truth, no one knows the exact amount, but the UN estimates 10 million ha of forest are cut down every year. Deforestation is different from Net Forest Loss, which takes into consideration not only the trees cut down, but also new trees gained. This brings the figure to a 4.7M ha loss. We know this is not good enough. However, it is not all bad news, whilst globally we are reporting a massive loss, in Europe we are gaining trees. The World Economic Forum reports that between 1990 and 2015 the area covered by forests and woodlands increased by 90,000sq. Km. Which is roughly the size of Portugal. They also claim that two fifths of Europe is now covered by forest.
The good news is that the more call there is for timber frame construction, the more trees will be planted to combat those being cut down. Timber construction is a major driving force behind increasing forest area and provided this replanting continues, timber resources can last indefinitely.
Trees and Carbon
Trees not only give us the oxygen we breathe, but they remove carbon dioxide from the air. Some worry that this carbon dioxide will then seep back into the environment during or after the construction phase. It is true that when plants decay, carbon dioxide is released, however, not all carbon will be released into the air. Much of it is retained in the soil. If the wood is to be used in construction, it doesn’t have the chance to decay and therefore the carbon remains stored within the timber for as long as that timber is in use. Furthermore, timber is often recycled into lower grade items.
There is the added advantage that timber no longer needed can be used as biomass. Biomass is a type of renewable energy that is generated from burning wood and other organic matter. It isn’t perfect as carbon dioxide is released into the environment, but far less than the amount produced by burning fossil fuels.
Throughout June the SOLID team will be focusing on timber frame construction, its advantages and disadvantages and how to implement it into projects. Subscribe now so not to miss out on any of our 1% Better News.
