Why timber is the most sustainable material in construction

At EcoChoice, we often talk about how sustainable timber is, but what does that really mean? Is it actually the most sustainable construction material out there? To learn more, we have put together this quick, evidence-based guide exploring just why responsibly sourced timber is the greenest choice for your construction projects. Let’s dive into it!

Carbon Capture and Sequestering Properties

When talking about sustainability, carbon footprint is always a good place to start. When sustainably sourced and processed near its end use site, timber can actually have a negative carbon impact, instantly giving it a huge bonus in terms of eco-credentials. This is because of carbon capture and sequestration.

As trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. This CO₂

is then stored within the tree, where it remains as long as the timber is not rotting or breaking down. By opting for timber, you are using a material which actively traps and stores CO₂.

Of course, the additional steps taken to process timber and get it to your doorstep can add to the carbon footprint of your material. However, by shopping for native timbers, you can drastically reduce this and keep the CO₂ output of your material either negative or very low.

CO₂ Footprint Compared to Other Building Materials

Whether you are looking for decking boards or bog mats, the carbon footprint of timber is particularly low when compared to other materials.

For every dry tonne of timber, an average of 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere as trees grow.

When creating steel, every tonne releases an average of 1.85 tonnes of CO₂ into the atmosphere. Cement is the source of around 8% of the world’s total CO₂ emissions, while concrete is worse for the environment than flying.

The fact is that – other than timber – these simply are not sustainable materials for building our homes, towns, cities and infrastructure.

A Renewable Resource

Moving away from carbon footprint, it is also important to note that timber is a renewable resource. When responsibly forested, it is a building material which will never run out – unlike steel, aluminium, plastic, glass, concrete and cement. We do not have to mine the earth or pollute our oceans when using timber for construction. There are eco-friendly, minimally damaging ways to produce timber which could actually help protect our world’s woodlands, such as those outlined by the FSC.

Enhanced Insulation for Sustainable Buildings

As if that wasn’t enough, using timber products could also create more sustainable buildings! Timber has amazing thermal insulation properties, which is why it is such a prominent part of architecture in cooler climates, such as Scandinavia. It keeps buildings warmer when the weather’s colder, reducing the need for heating and cutting down on emissions from electricity and gas usage.

Find FSC-Certified Timber at EcoChoice

Timber is undoubtedly the most sustainable material used in construction. It can be carbon negative, it is renewable and it better insulates our buildings, all of which bring enhanced sustainability to building works. But to ensure your timber purchase aligns with your eco-friendly ethos, you need to source it from responsibly managed forests – that is non-negotiable.

Luckily that is where we come in. At EcoChoice, we supply PEFC and FSC-certified timber for UK construction projects: from piers to railway sleepers, as well as decking and cladding. The timber we supply is sourced from lands where biodiversity, conservation and sustainability are championed, ensuring your construction materials do better for our planet.

To learn more about the sustainability of our timber or to start an order, get in touch with our team today.