People have relied on timber for construction for thousands of years, but there’s now a growing concern of deforestation and the harmful effects it has on the environment. But considering how much energy and carbon is used creating steel, aluminium, and concrete, it’s hard finding a balance ethically producing mass building materials. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem that not only provides a positive impact on forest ecosystems but people’s health too – sustainable timber. Read below for more reasons why sustainable timber is the perfect choice for construction.
Five reasons why sustainable timber is the best building material
- Carbon capture and storage
Cutting trees down is very destructive for the environment, as there are fewer trees around to absorb carbon from the air. However, sustainable forestry or ‘FSC certified timber’ (meets the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council) means that new trees are planted every time a tree is removed. If trees are left to rot or burn, carbon will be released into the air, which disrupts the atmosphere. As younger trees tend to absorb carbon more quickly, sustainable forestry aims to harvest mature trees that don’t absorb as much carbon, as removing trees transfers the carbon storage to timber. This is much better for the environment than leaving the trees to rot naturally, and when paired with new seedlings sustainable forestry is better for the environment than leaving a forest undisturbed.
Looking for FSC timber suppliers Brisbane? Contact Versace Timbers today to learn more about our range of sustainable timber
- Low embodied energy
Embodied energy refers to the energy consumed by the processing of natural resources. FSC certified timber has the lowest embodied energy of all mainstream building materials, and far less than steel and aluminium. Considering embodied energy has a significant contribution to carbon, using FSC timber can greatly reduce the negative impact on the environment.
- Healthier buildings
Buildings created with synthetic materials can have a harmful effect on people’s health, especially if they contain lead, wood treatment or volatile organic compounds. These harmful effects can last long after a building has been constructed, and are known to cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath and more. FSC timber is a natural and nontoxic building material and can even help improve air quality and positive mental states. In fact, studies conducted by Springer Wood Science and Technology prove that viewing timber interiors can boost a person’s mood, reduce stress, and even lower high blood pressure.
- Good insulation
FSC certified timber offers five times more insulation than bricks and is more insulative than any other mainstream building material. This means that a building will require less air conditioner use to keep warm or cool, which means less energy use and a reduction in energy bills. Coupled with the sustainable nature of which its harvested, FSC timber undoubtedly offers numerous benefits to the environment.
- Visually appealing
There’s no doubt that sustainable timber is beautiful to look at, as it instantly gives a building character and warmth. Furthermore, numerous studies show that people feel happier and healthier when surrounded by wood, and even feel more inclined to engage with those around them. As people grow more conscious of the health effects on both themselves and the environment, there will likely be a strong focus on biophilic design in the upcoming decade.
FSC certified timber suppliers
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our article on ‘The Sustainable Timber Choice.’ If you have any more questions about our range of FSC timber, you can call us on 07 3266 9000 or contact us online and one of our FSC certified timber suppliers will be in touch soon. Or come see us in person by visiting our timber supplies yard at 33 Vauxhall Street in Virginia.