Why Sustainable Timber Must Become a Core Global Building Material
Sustainability in architecture is no longer a trend; it's a necessity. As we witness the increased effects of climate change, it's crucial that we turn towards building materials and techniques that not only minimize harm to the environment but actively work towards repairing it. After all, we can’t just rely on Millennials and Gen Z to clean up all our messes, right? And yes… that was a rhetorical question. At the forefront of these eco-friendly solutions is the increased use of sustainable timber in construction and I’m delving into the top 5 reasons why this product must become a core global building material.
1. Timber Building Materials Store Vast Amounts of Carbon
Forests are nature's powerhouse when it comes to absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, and sustainably managed forests are invaluable in our fight against climate change. The carbon captured by trees remains stored within their woody biomass even after they're processed into timber. If recycled into other long-life products, this carbon remains stored, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. And that’s a MAJOR win.
Consider this: while a traditional concrete and steel building is expected to produce around 2,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, an equivalent timber building can match this in carbon storage. In addition, by creating demand for wood from sustainable forests, we pay for management that reduces the likelihood of forest fires and provides habitat for wildlife.
2. Timber Building Materials are Durable and Even Fireproof
With the help of modern manufacturing processes, wood can be engineered into mass timber—layers of wood bonded with glue or nails—resulting in durable, resilient, and even fire and earthquake-resistant structures. Companies like Easy Housing are demonstrating the strength of mass timber by developing prefabricated timber homes capable of withstanding natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
3. Timber Buildings are Easy and Cost-Effective to Construct and Run
Wood's lighter weight and the option for off-site prefabrication make it easier to handle and construct than steel or concrete. Plus, as engineered wood is easier to manufacture, it speeds up the building process, leading to healthier, safer, and more pleasant working conditions. This, combined with its superior insulating properties, makes timber buildings more energy and cost-efficient to run. If you’ve been keeping up with real estate news, then you surely know how critical it is to boost housing inventory across the country and make homes more affordable.
4. Timber Construction Creates Jobs and Boosts the Economy
Supporting sustainable forest management and the carpentry industry promotes local job creation and economy boosts. As national governments move to mandate timber use in new constructions, we can expect mass timber supply chains to flourish worldwide. This growth, however, must be managed in a climate-smart way to avoid the degradation of our invaluable forest resources.
5. Timber Buildings Make for Healthier Living and Working Environments
Timber buildings connect us to nature in a unique way, creating healthier living and working environments. Numerous studies show that spaces built with natural materials like wood can positively impact work efficiency, creativity, and overall well-being. Even hospital waiting rooms constructed from wood have been found to reduce visitors' stress levels.
Despite potential barriers such as limited suppliers and higher upfront costs, the mass timber industry is on the rise. Driven by the urgent need for low-carbon buildings, mass timber products are quickly gaining wider market acceptance.
Given the current construction trends and consumer interests in 2023, mass timber will undoubtedly continue to gain momentum. Its combination of strength, durability, beauty, and environmental benefits make it an ideal choice for sustainable construction.
As we increasingly recognize the critical role that our built environment plays in combatting climate change, the move towards sustainable timber becomes not only desirable but essential. Together, we can build a future that is not only structurally sound but also environmentally resilient.