13 reasons why

Sustainable Timber

is the best construction material

Timber has always been used in construction. But with growing concern about global deforestation - should you still use it?

The short answer is yes - as long as it’s sustainable. Here’s 13 reasons why…

Carbon Capture & Storage

When used in construction, timber does not decompose. The carbon is ‘locked up’ in the built environment.

If replaced by new trees, the over-all effect is less carbon in the atmosphere.

1.

Timber only needs minimal processing.

This gives it the lowest embodied energy of any mainstream building material. Vastly lower than steel, concrete or aluminium.

Low Embodied Energy 2.

Truly Renewable 3.

As a renewable material, timber really does grow on trees.

A tree reaches harvest size in 25-80 years, while materials for bricks, steel and plastics are essentially finite.

Durable & Easily Maintained 4.

As a highly durable material, timber has very good structural properties. Well-designed timber buildings can last for centuries, or reach eight storeys tall. New innovations are even allowing timber to be used for high-rises.

Warm Comforting Aesthetic 5.

Wood has a warming and comforting aesthetic which is popular all over the world.

Its natural appearance can also help a building blend into the landscape.

Highly Versatile 6.

Wood competes with plastic in its enormously wide range of applications… From structural frames to exterior cladding and joinery, and from decorative finishes to furniture.

Timber-frame buildings are far quicker to construct than brick or stone buildings.

A shorter build time is cheaper and more convenient.

Quick and Simple Build 7.

A timber-frame allows more space for insulation, compared to a brick building - meaning a lower energy demand.

Wood is also has subtle thermal insulating properties of its own.

Better Insulation 8.

Scrap and Salvaged Wood 9.

Because it’s so versatile, scrap wood from timber production can be used for other products, like small ornaments, fencing or fibreboard.

Timber can also be salvaged and re-used, or safely burnt or composted.

Non-Toxic 10.

Timber is a naturally safe and totally non-toxic material.

However - watch out for toxic glues and preservatives.

Choose eco-friendly ones where possible, or specify durable untreated timber.

As an organic material, timber is a natural humidity regulator.

It absorbs and releases moisture according to how humid or dry it is - improving indoor air quality.

Humidity Regulator 11.

Priceless Habitats 12.

Woodlands are priceless habitats for wildlife - including many endangered species.

The more popular sustainable timber is, the more sustainably managed woodland there will be.

Ecological Services 13.

Forests also reduce the risk of droughts, floods and soil erosion. They stabilise micro-climates and rainfall patterns, and they purify the air.

And the more commercially valuable forests are, the more there’ll be.

Most of these points are only true for sustainable timber.

Protect forests by always choosing timber from FSC certified forests!

Where possible, avoid tropical hardwoods and opt for locally sourced.

(Map of FSC certified woodlands in UK)

Koru Architects is a sustainability-focused architect practice, based in Brighton & Hove, UK. www.koruarchitects.co.uk

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