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A GREENER FUTURE ONE BUILDING AT A TIME
Building more in wood can decarbonise construction while incentivising forest maintenance, writes Alexandre Martins, sales director at leading Portuguese treated timber supplier Soprem Wood
The construction sector, responsible for 37% of global manmade carbon dioxide emissions, stands at a critical juncture. As we face mounting ecological challenges, the construction industry must pivot towards more sustainable practices. At the heart of this transformation lies wood – a natural and renewable resource poised to revolutionise how we build, offering a sustainable and innovative solution to the industry’s environmental woes. Unlike concrete or steel, wood is a renewable material that can be sourced from responsibly managed and replenished forests.
And wood’s environmental benefi ts extend far beyond its renewability. Its natural carbon sequestration process makes wood an effective solution for reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector. According to the European Economic and Social Committee, wood construction can lead to a reduction of up to 40% in CO2 emissions compared to concrete.
One common misconception about wood is its perceived vulnerability to fi re. However, wood can have greater fi re resistance than concrete, steel, and masonry when properly treated and designed. Heavy timber chars on the outside, forming an insulating layer that protects the structural integrity of the material, while steel can warp, and concrete can crack under high temperatures. Wood also offers versatility, timelessness, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal. Its natural warmth and beauty provide unparalleled creative freedom for architects and designers, enabling the realisation of visionary projects that harmonise with the environment. The use of wood in construction is not just an eco-friendly choice but also a celebration of nature’s elegance and ingenuity.
The push for wood-based construction is gaining momentum. Notable projects like the 25-storey Ascent MKE building in Milwaukee and the 18-storey Mjøstårnet in Norway show the potential of wooden skyscrapers. In Paris, the 2024 Olympic Games will feature stadia and numerous buildings in the Olympic Village, showcasing the feasibility and attractiveness of large- scale wood construction. These are just the beginning of what could become a widespread architectural revolution. By transitioning to wood, we can signifi cantly mitigate the construction sector’s carbon footprint and promote a greener future. Moreover, wood construction supports sustainable forestry practices, providing economic incentives to manage forests responsibly. This creates a positive feedback loop, where the demand for wood encourages the preservation and expansion of forested areas, further enhancing their role as carbon sinks. To catalyse this shift, industry stakeholders, policy
makers, and consumers must recognise and embrace the advantages of wood. Investments in research and development, along with updated building codes and regulations, are crucial for facilitating the widespread adoption of wood in construction. Public awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in dispelling myths about wood’s durability and safety, highlighting its benefi ts as a building material.
In conclusion, the evidence is compelling: wood is not only a sustainable and innovative solution for the construction sector’s environmental challenges, but also a superior material in terms of versatility and aesthetic potential. By prioritising wood in our construction practices, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future, one building at a time. ■
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2024 | TTJ
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