A sustainable construction material
While most commonly used construction materials are non-renewable, wood is a renewable natural resource. And with forest growth in Europe currently outstripping demand for wood, there is much more wood available for construction than is currently being used. European forests are managed sustainably, with more wood growing than is cut down. Currently, only 4% of all construction in Europe is wood construction; globally, wood is not yet a particularly common construction material.
The European Union has also announced its desire to see more of wood construction. Using wood in construction also has many advantages over other materials, since it's not causing harmful emissions in it's manufacturing process.
A growing forest is an important carbon sink
Increasing wood construction would be a viable option for moving towards more sustainable construction. Stopping the depletion of the world’s forested areas and caring for forests are the goals of sustainable forestry.
Not only is wood a sustainable material, but forests also mitigate climate change as they grow by acting as important carbon sinks for our planet. Wood’s ability to store carbon dioxide is not limited to the forest growth stage, as wood products and buildings also act as long-term carbon sinks. A recent study reveals, that in Europe alone, new buildings could sequester 55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, if their structures, cladding, surfaces and furnishings were made of wood.
Durable wooden buildings are most sustainable
By its very nature, wood is an energy-efficient construction material as it both insulates and breathes. The more energy efficient a house, the more environmentally friendly it is to live in.
A durable wooden building is the most sustainable option as it maximizes the lifespan of the raw materials collected from nature. It also stores carbon dioxide for longer while remaining in good condition for future generations.
And when a wooden building’s time is up, wood disposal causes minimal environmental issues, unlike disposing of non-biodegradable materials. This makes wood a sustainable choice throughout its life cycle.
With the right care, a wooden building will stand the test of time
Wood treatment and maintenance have a direct impact on the lifespan of a wooden building. This is why fire retardants and paint products play a key role in the design and construction of wooden buildings.
By selecting the right products you can ensure that your wooden building will last for generations.
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