Wood is not only a beautiful and natural building material, it also has a very light environmental footprint. In comparison to concrete and steel, it requires far less energy to manufacture and transport. It is highly insulating and has desirable acoustic properties. Furthermore, it has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is durable.
As a raw material, it is renewable and can be reused many times over. It is a good thermal insulator and its cellular structure is able to store carbon dioxide (CO2), locking it away for the duration of its use. A wooden house can be kept warm with significantly less energy compared to a concrete building. For information on Timber Frame Kits, go to https://merlintimberframe.co.uk/
A key issue is that wood comes from forests – and deforestation is one of the main contributors to climate change. Therefore, the way we manage and harvest timber is crucial. When it comes to wood, the best option is sourced from certified sources that can guarantee its sustainability. Look for the FSC label or the PEFC logo, which confirms that a forest has been responsibly managed.
Choosing to build with wood is an important step towards making our cities more sustainable. But to make real progress, cities need to go further than simply using sustainable materials, such as wood. They need to conduct Life Cycle Assessments, which are tools that help identify unforeseen impacts and reveal opportunities for innovation. These assessments take into account the forestry, production and manufacturing of all construction materials.