Is buying timber good for the environment?

30.4.24

Ryder Services is committed to playing our part in a sustainable future for all. Time was, deforestation fuelled alternative industries, with trees harvested faster than they could be replaced. But today, wood is one of the most sustainable organic materials and can be replenished relatively quickly compared to other natural resources.

With re-growth programmes and allocated habitats, a tree can be fully grown in 30 years, and organisations like FSC, by whom we’re certified, can help with this.

FSC and PEFC are two of several worldwide organisations that manage forests and protects areas from being over forested.

The FSC says that the destruction of forests accounts for at least 10 per cent of annual carbon emissions. Every tree absorbs and stores carbon dioxide, and even when a tree is cut down, it continues to lock in carbon providing a wonderful natural filtering process.

Flattening forests for growing crops or rearing cattle will reduce our tree numbers and no doubt contribute to an increase in carbon emissions. But with well-regulated harvesting practices in place, and trees being strictly replenished as part of a structured programme, the demand for timber shouldn't outstrip the growing of trees.

What makes wood sustainable?

Wood is a natural product and therefore a renewable resource. Wood supplies can be renewed by planting new trees and sustainable forestry. At the end of its use as a construction material, wood can also be re-used, recycled, or downcycled. Wood has a smaller environmental impact than many alternatives.

The level of carbon emissions from wood production is less than 100 kg of CO2 per 1,000 kg produced, compared with over 300 kg for brick and over 2,000 kg for steel. Regarding air and water pollution, solid waste, and the use of energy and ecological resources, studies to determine the lifecycle of building materials found that wood is less damaging.

The amount of energy consumed through the production process (wood’s lifetime embodied energy) is more than three times lower than that of steel, plastic, and concrete. These materials require more effort and resources to dispose of at the end of their life cycle.

Wood is biodegradable

Wood that has been used in construction can be repurposed for other building or home improvement projects. Once wood reaches the end of its lifecycle though, in the right conditions, it doesn’t require a special process to return its nutrients to the earth. It will break down naturally itself, so it’s ideal for composting. Plastic on the other hand can take up to 1000 years to break down. Wood by-products, like bark and shavings, can be used as biofuel, offsetting energy used in the production process.

Trees absorb and retain carbon dioxide

Timber production uses resources of course, but offsets them in the long run. Take an average hardwood tree. It will absorb around 22 kg of CO2 from the atmosphere per year, as well as other polluting gases including nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide.

Once the tree has been turned into wood for use as a building material, it locks the carbon dioxide away for the duration of its usage, which could be anything from a few decades to hundreds of years. It’s a natural filtering process.

Benefits of building with wood

Wood can support its own weight better than steel or concrete. This allows for larger spaces and fewer necessary supports in building designs. Even high-rise buildings have been built with it.

As an organic material, wood maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor climate. Studies have shown that environments with wooden structures have positive psychological and physical effects on humans.

Timber and the environment

Using timber helps to promote the use of wood and raise its profile and therefore also helps the environment

• Using timber stimulates the expansion of managed forests to absorb CO2

• Managed forests support biodiversity and protect the rights of indigenous peoples. The UK is the biggest importer of FSC-certified timber.

• Using UK-grown timber contributes to the local culture and economy. Milling logs has a comparatively low environmental impact.

• Handling timber is safe. It is non-toxic and does not break down into environmentally damaging materials.

• Cladding can be reused, recycled and downcycled. It is biodegradable and can ultimately serve as a fuel source.

• Untreated hardwood timber using heartwood can obtain a service life of between 40 – 60 years

Sources:

Greenspec.co.uk

Friendsoftheearth.co.uk

Greenmatch.co.uk

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