Understanding the Lifecycle of Timber
The journey of materials in the construction industry typically begins with raw material extraction, leading to manufacturing, transportation, usage, and eventual disposal. Timber, however, as a natural and organic material, follows a unique and self-sustaining cyclical flow.
The Initial Use of Harvested Timber
If you’ve ever been involved in building or renovating a house, you’ve likely encountered timber in the form of a frame, roofing, or various construction projects. Timber, in all its sizes and shapes, is readily available at timber merchants. This timber originates from forests and is transported to sawmills across the country for cutting and treatment.
When acquiring timber, it’s crucial to look for materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC, an international non-profit organization, champions responsible forestry practices globally and advocates for the economic and social sustainability of the communities impacted by the timber industry.
FSC-certified forests actively preserve biodiversity, support ecological health, provide education to local communities, and combat exploitation and illegal forestry practices.
The Sustainability of Reclaimed Timber
Reclaimed timber finds its primary application in furniture and interior design, lending character and texture to our living spaces. Using reclaimed timber offers numerous advantages, including reducing the demand for newly sourced timber, thereby contributing to the prevention of deforestation.
When harvested responsibly, wood stands as a renewable resource that can be upcycled, reducing landfill waste and mitigating environmental hazards associated with manufacturing new products. Moreover, timber can be recycled into common products like MDF and particle boards, serving as shelves and kitchen units in our homes.
Diverse Uses of Timber
Timber plays a pivotal role in various construction projects, both residential and commercial. Most types of timber are easily recyclable, except for chemically treated decking wood. However, the emergence of eco-friendly treatment alternatives like OrganoWood is changing this landscape.
The Abundance of Benefits
Timber emerges as a renewable building material with a multitude of benefits, offering durability and character. In comparison to alternatives, it has proven itself as an eco-friendly choice.
Raising awareness about the traditional linear model of timber’s life cycle is the initial step in transitioning towards a more sustainable, cyclical model that mirrors the natural world. Further endeavors by design and construction teams can include innovative methods to salvage and recycle timber, exploring alternative treatment processes to reuse offcuts and wood chips, and adopting waste-reducing construction designs.
Collectively, these strategies hold the potential to significantly reduce timber waste in landfills and usher in positive transformations in the timber’s lifetime.
