Why do we build with timber?
Trees traps carbon dioxide (C02) not only as it grows, but also during its use as a building material. An increased used of timber as a building material will have huge positive impact on the environment and future generations. A building has a long-life span and it can be divided into three phases: 1. Building; 2. Using 3. Demolishing.
To build sustainably
In order to build in a sustainable way, the building must be able to last for a long time. It should also cause as little impact on the environment as possible in all three phases of its life. A timber building binds carbon dioxide and reduces the use of carbon dioxide compared to steel and concrete. Also, Timber construction has lower energy use than construction with other materials. It is sustainable to build with timber. The forest provides raw materials and energy in a constant cycle.
Renewable and environmentally friendly material
Timber is a renewable and environmentally friendly material. It is also easy to work with and easy to transport. Walls and floors are built and assembled into larger parts – so-called elements – in the factory, in a clean and dry environment and the manufacturing process is done with high accuracy. At the construction site the elements are quickly assembled into a building. Also, there are other benefits such as wellbeing.
Other benefits
A recent study from School Without Stress showed that pupils in a timber-clad and timber-furnished classroom are less stressed and better able to focus than those in a standard classroom. Essentially, timber makes us all feel good!
