There is tremendous pressure on the construction industry to reduce carbon emissions and consider alternative building materials.
Cement production alone is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
If we go for other options, such as plastic, it’s non-biodegradable, relies on fossil fuels, and has a significant environmental impact.
If you are a procurement manager or belong to a construction company, neglecting low-carbon materials can lead to higher costs and reputational damage.
The solution lies in timber.
Unlike cement and plastics, timber not only has a lower carbon footprint but also stores carbon dioxide throughout its life (more on it later).
In this blog, we will explore timber as a carbon sink, compare it with cement and plastics, and understand why timber or cross-laminated timber should be your ultimate choice.
How Timber Acts As a Carbon Sink
You might be thinking, “What is carbon sequestration in timber?”
Simply put, it’s the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the air.
Here’s how it works: During their growth, trees use photosynthesis to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere. This carbon gets stored in their wood, roots, and branches. This natural process is called carbon sequestration.
Now, when trees are harvested to make timber, the carbon stays locked inside the wood for a long time, for decades or even centuries. That CO₂ will stay in there as long as the timber isn’t burnt or left to rot.
So, does timber absorb carbon dioxide? Yes, it does!
Trees soak up atmospheric CO₂ and keep it stored in the timber. As a result, the timber acts as a ‘carbon sink’ throughout its lifecycle.
In contrast, materials like cement and plastic release CO₂ into the atmosphere during their production, ultimately harming the environment.
Comparison Of Timber With Cement and Plastics
Timber is a much cleaner alternative to cement and plastics for building materials. Let’s break it down with some fresh facts.
Cement
Cement doesn’t just emit carbon dioxide during production; it’s also a major energy guzzler.
According to the report of UNECE, cement production consumes around 7% of the world’s industrial energy. It releases more CO₂ than all the world’s passenger planes combined.
And it doesn’t stop there.
For every tonne of cement, nearly 900 kilograms of CO₂ are released. That’s a massive environmental cost for such a widely used material.
Plastics
Plastics do not support carbon sequestration. They are non-biodegradable and stay for centuries in landfills and construction waste sites.
Our World in Data mentioned that only 9% of global plastic waste is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or oceans, polluting the ecosystems for centuries.
Why Timber Is the Better Choice
There are 2 solid reasons for this.
- Each cubic meter of timber stores around 1 tonne of CO2. It removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for decades or even centuries.
- Timber requires minimal energy to process, so it has a smaller environmental footprint right from the start. Many of the sawmills are energy-independent and sell excess electricity back to the grid.
When you compare all three, timber doesn’t just lower emissions; it actively helps the planet by storing carbon.
In conclusion, timber is a cleaner, and more sustainable option compared to traditional construction materials.
The Rise Of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product made by layering timber boards at right angles and bonding them together.
It has incredible strength and durability.
Due to its benefits, it’s increasingly being adopted in modern construction. This shift is also helping the construction industry move towards net-zero carbon goals.
Why Is CLT Becoming Popular
- It is lightweight but strong enough for large-scale buildings.
- It reduces construction time and waste.
- CLT helps in carbon sequestration by storing carbon within the structure for decades.
- It’s a renewable resource, sourced from responsibly managed forests. So, it is a more sustainable choice than concrete or steel.
- CLT offers better thermal insulation, which leads to improved energy efficiency in buildings.
- It’s fire-resistant when treated properly, so you don’t need to compromise on safety.
- CLT allows for creative design possibilities. It enables architects to explore modern, unique, and better building styles.
- It’s a faster and more efficient building material, so it reduces labor costs and accelerates the project timelines.
Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Forestry
There’s no doubt that high-quality timber offers many benefits. However, it’s important to consider responsible forestry practices to avoid negative impacts on the environment.
Overharvesting and deforestation can lead to habitat loss, soil erosion, and decreased biodiversity. Plus, if forests are not managed properly, it can cause long-term environmental damage. This is why sustainable forestry is so important.
Fortunately, sustainable forestry allows the construction industry to rely on timber without harming the planet. By planting new trees to replace the harvested ones, we can ensure a continuous supply of timber and preserve ecosystems.
It also supports long-term carbon sequestration goals and helps fight climate change
The Role of Timber in Enhancing the Performance of Buildings
Timber doesn’t only reduce carbon emissions but also plays a crucial role in improving the overall performance of building, creating structures that are resilient and comfortable.
It’s a natural insulator and offers excellent thermal properties that help regulate indoor temperatures. This reduces the need for excessive heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption and operational costs.
Additionally, timber has the natural ability to absorb and release moisture, which helps maintain a balanced indoor climate.
This allows for a healthier living or working environment.
Lastly, the use of timber in construction can contribute to better air quality and improved acoustics. It can even reduce the risk of mold growth.
Choose Timber for a Greener, Smarter Construction Future
Timber’s benefits extend beyond its environmental impact. It naturally enhances energy efficiency in buildings by regulating temperatures and reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.
This lowers their operational emissions and makes structures more energy-efficient. Then we have innovations like Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) transforming construction.
It’s high time you use timber to replace cement, plastic, and steel in buildings. This way, companies can support sustainable forestry and contribute to a healthier planet.
However, it’s hard to find reliable timber suppliers who deliver quality every time. Check out Gulf South Forest Products for premium-quality timber that meets all your construction needs.
