Sustainability has become a central concern for modern architects and builders. According to the United Nations, the buildings and construction sector accounts for approximately 37% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This does not mean that humans need to stop all construction. Instead, we must consider what changes can be made to the way we construct buildings. Using sustainable building materials is a great place to start.
Natural wood is one of the most sustainable building materials on the planet. Whereas messaging in mainstream media may make it seem like the lumber industry is inherently harmful (think movies like “The Lorax”), the reality is different. Natural wood products harvested from responsibly managed forests offer numerous sustainability benefits.
U.N. Video: Building Materials and the Climate
Key Takeaways
- Natural wood can have up to a 75% lower carbon footprint than other common building materials, like concrete or steel
- Natural wood materials are renewable and recyclable
- Natural wood is biodegradable
- Responsible forest management is essential to ensure the sustainability of natural wood materials
Carbon Footprint of Natural Wood
One of the most common sustainability metrics is the carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of a building material refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with its production, transport, and use, relative to its ability to store or offset carbon over its lifecycle. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), wood can have up to a 75% lower carbon footprint than other common materials, like concrete or steel.
Natural wood has a relatively low footprint due to its natural characteristics. Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, storing carbon in wood fiber. That stored carbon remains locked in the wood even after the tree is harvested. Not only do natural wood materials help remove CO2 from the atmosphere, but they also require far less energy to manufacture than alternative options. When used at scale, natural wood material can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a new build or renovation.
Natural Wood is Renewable and Recyclable
Renewable materials are defined as materials from natural sources which are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. When natural wood is harvested from responsibly managed forests, those forests are allowed to grow back, ensuring their long-term health and abundance. When sourced sustainably, natural wood is a renewable material.
Natural wood products are also recyclable. When wood products are no longer usable for their intended application, they do not need to be sent straight to a landfill. Recycled natural wood can be repurposed for a wide variety of uses, such as:
- Firewood (where appropriate and permitted)
- New furniture
- Wood chips for landscaping
- Garden beds
- Fencing
- Other DIY projects
Repurposing natural wood for different uses helps reduce waste and shift the construction industry towards a more circular project cycle.
Natural Wood is Biodegradable
Natural wood cannot always be repurposed. In some cases, unusable pieces must be discarded. Thankfully, natural wood is biodegradable.
Whereas man-made building materials degrade slowly and take up space in landfills, natural wood easily breaks down through organic processes. Biodegradable materials can reduce waste without contamination, keeping our planet clean.
Responsible Forest Management and Sourcing
While wood material itself has the environmental benefits above, the sustainability of natural wood largely depends on responsible forest management. Without proper limits on harvesting, the forests would not be able to regenerate, and the sustainability of natural wood products would be lost.
In addition to governments, nonprofit organizations promote responsible forest management and sourcing practices. For example, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) provides FSC certification for companies who source their wood products from sustainable forests.
Conclusion
In order to ensure the health of our planet for future generations, it is more important than ever to use sustainable building materials in the construction industry. Natural wood is one of the most sustainable building materials; it has a low carbon footprint and is renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable.
In a world of complex man-made materials, natural wood sourced from responsibly managed forests is a highly sustainable option.
External Links
American Society of Landscape Architects: Sustainable Woods
Building Materials and the Climate: Constructing a New Future
