From Trees to Timber - Exploring Wood for Construction and Ecological Regeneration of Forests

The melting glaciers of Antarctica and the observably increasing heatwaves across the UK both capture the disastrous effects of climate change. Furthermore, the alarming rates of tropical deforestation and the related increase in the release of carbon dioxide further create confusion around the sustainability aspect of Timber construction. 

But are the apparent ill-effects of cutting down trees the end of timber construction? 

Is there more to the relationship between Wood, Climate Change, and Sustainability? 

Trees as Carbon-Stores that need Periodic Exchange

The most popular building materials of the 21st century, i.e. steel and concrete consume enormous amounts of energy and release carbon dioxide amongst other effluents into the atmosphere while they are produced. Whereas, wood or timber comes from a living-material and renewable source, i.e. trees.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a critical greenhouse gas contributing to global warming - this is desirable for combating climate change. But a tree absorbs less and less carbon as it ages. And in a forest, being mindful of a species’ lifecycle and harvesting them at such a time can foster more effective carbon storage by planting new trees than in an undisturbed forest. Hence, it is rather important to replace old trees before they start losing their structural value or, worse, degenerate as victims of disasters like floods or forest fires. Sustainable forest management practices have synergy for construction as well as ecological regeneration. 

The disadvantages of deforestation due to conventional ‘destructive logging’ are undeniable. However, with more awareness and the practice of sustainable forestry and timber harvesting, there’s been a growing interest in the use of timber as a building material.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycling Wood

The savings on carbon dioxide by using timber for housing and other buildings are significant - especially in relation to embodied energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. As their service life ends, timber elements in a building can be recycled and their carbon-storage effect can be extended as well as be utilized as carbon-neutral substitutes for fossil fuels. Timber can even be salvaged from demolished and dilapidated buildings and creatively reused.

At Matter, we have actively practised it like in the case of Cody Dock. Furthermore, innovations in ‘Lean Construction design’ and optimization using pre-designed details, reducing unnecessary bulky detailing and avoiding the need for ‘redesigning’ are further pushing the boundaries of timber’s use in buildings of different scales. 

… and Combating Climate Change as individual

Therefore, ethically and if possible, locally sourced timber with a low-carbon footprint and an efficient eco-cycle, is excellent for construction especially in the housing and small to mid-scale commercial properties. As an owner of a sustainably built timber home or workplace, you’ll be actively caring for the planet - with every tree in a forest mindfully replenished for better atmospheric carbon absorption and gradually tackling global warming.

Would you like a Timber home?

If you are thinking about embarking on building an eco-friendly home using sustainable materials, methods and technologies, please get in touch with us to find out how we can help you. < // > 

You can also read more about our alternative approach to sustainable structural engineering design that benefits people and the planet, for stronger communities with a brighter future.