Wood has many advantages in building – read on to find out how!
All photos by: Unsplash
When it comes to construction projects, there is not always a right or wrong answer. The architectural plans, the materials used and the overall aesthetics are subject to a certain degree to personal taste. Of course there are some structures that follow a template – almost all modern skyscrapers in the city are, for example, a combination of steel and glass. But there are also many other projects that offer more scope for variety. For example, the use of wood offers many advantages. As with any material, it is important that you work with the appropriate tools. This SGS guide can be helpful in this regard, while the end results can be spectacular. As long as you have the right type of wood for your work, it can be extremely easy to use, while offering excellent durability and versatility – not to mention a warm, soothing aesthetic and excellent insulation properties.
However, the benefits of using wood in construction projects have an additional dimension and that is its sustainability. Environmentalists have been protesting mass deforestation for years. Between 1990 and 2016, 1.3 million square kilometers of forest were lost. It is estimated that 17% of the Amazon has been lost in the past half century. However, responsible forestry encourages careful management of the world's forests, including tree replanting, to achieve zero net deforestation. This, in turn, can increase the availability of sustainable wood, which has many advantages. Here are just three of them.
Carbon capture and storage
It is estimated that each cubic meter of wood stores approximately one ton of carbon. Even when a tree is harvested, the carbon stays inside and is only released when the wood is burned or rots. So if sustainable forestry is used, new trees should be planted to replace the cut down. These trees quickly absorb carbon as they grow and have a positive impact on the environment.
Low embodied energy
This term refers to the total energy that is consumed at all stages of the timber journey from deforestation and processing to production, transportation and use in construction. Since wood requires minimal processing compared to other building materials such as steel or concrete, its energy is greatly reduced and greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide are emitted at a much lower level.
Efficient use
Of course, not every part of a harvested tree trunk is suitable for processing into large sawn timber. The remaining waste can still be used for other means. For example, splinters can be collected for landscaping projects, sawdust can be used for animal habitats and most of the remaining wood can be used for smaller products such as lighting, fences or chipboard. This reduction in waste limits the impact on our environment and offers a more cost-effective solution.
