Published: 15/11/23 By: Mike Bekin
If you are familiar with our blog here at EcoChoice, you have probably heard us talking about our eco-friendly timber cladding a fair few times. FSC®-certified and sourced with sustainability in mind, we are proud to supply one of the greenest building materials across the UK. But what makes timber cladding such a good choice for the environment?
To give you more insight into why it is one of the greenest choices you can make for your project, we have put together some of the biggest eco benefits. Let’s dive in!
A Renewable Resource
Timber cladding comes from trees, which are – you guessed it – a renewable resource. In simple terms, this means that it is a material which will not run out. As long as the planet has trees, we will have timber!
Sustainable Forestry
Of course, the concept of a renewable resource is only going to last for timber if we harvest it sustainably. That is why all our cladding boards come from FSC-certified forests where responsible management protects the land where your wood grows. Some of the key principles of sustainable forest management include:
- Never overharvesting a species
- Never overharvesting from the land in general
- Protecting the habitats of local wildlife
- Protecting other native species
- Supporting local communities
FSC-certified forest management works to maintain our natural landscapes while still supplying us with the timber we need. To learn more, we recommend checking out our previous blog post.
Carbon Sequestering
Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere as they grow. This carbon is then stored within the wood, acting as a carbon sink and keeping our air that little bit fresher. But if a tree dies and begins to rot, the CO₂ is released back into the atmosphere. By using timber cladding, you prolong the lifespan of the wood, helping to keep the stored CO₂ out of our air for longer.
Local Sourcing
Depending on the timber species you choose for your cladding, it can often be sourced locally (e.g. within the UK or Europe). This reduces transportation-related energy consumption, helping to cut down the carbon footprint of your entire build. If you are interested in locally sourced wood, give our team a shout and we will help find a suitable species for your cladding.
Low Embodied Energy
Timber has a lower embodied energy compared to many other building materials such as concrete, steel or aluminium. Embodied energy refers to the total energy required to produce, transport and install a material. Timber’s low energy requirements contribute to a smaller environmental footprint.
Timber Biodegrades
When it does eventually reach the end of its life, you do not have to worry about your timber cladding polluting the landscape. Instead your boards will naturally biodegrade back into the earth whence they came, nourishing the soil with essential nutrients. This is in contrast to some synthetic materials which can contribute to landfill waste.
Find Eco-Friendly Timber Cladding at EcoChoice
When you choose FSC-certified timber cladding for your building project, you are making a choice which is better for the whole planet. If you need help finding the right species or you have a question about timber, feel free to get in touch with our team and we will be more than happy to help. As sustainable timber experts, you can rely on us to find what you need.
Image: arturasker / Shutterstock.com
