Sustainable timber: Why 2018 is the year to go green!

There’s no denying the beauty of timber in our homes, cities and surroundings.

However, beauty and innovation in the design world shouldn’t come at a cost to the planet. Thankfully, the use of eco-friendly wood in contemporary construction means it doesn’t! Timber is a totally renewable source. If we’re able to remain environmentally conscious and practice sustainable building practices, we can ensure the planet benefits from development as much as we do.

Choosing sustainable wood for you next project is a smart move.

Now is the time to go green, and here’s why!

1. Increasing demand
Contemporary design is calling on timber across a range of projects, big and small. With characteristics like strength and longevity, quicker construction times, and reduced noise and energy use on building sites, it’s no surprise that timber is becoming the top choice for construction projects in 2018. Western Red Cedar has long been favourable due to its beauty and durability. Its unrivalled sustainability will ensure it remains popular, and continues to receive the praise it deserves.

2. Atmospherically beneficial
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and emit oxygen. Harvested timber continues to store carbon dioxide long after it’s used in construction and engineering. Sustainable harvesting ensures new trees are planted in place of those harvested, consequently increasing the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Sustainable timber plantations throughout Australia are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, whilst renewing a source that’s incredibly important to our society.

3. Cross-laminated timber
Timber construction is on the rise since the introduction of cross-laminated timber (CLT). CLT is engineered to act like an industrial material, but still allows us to save time, money and energy by using a natural, renewable source. The future of construction lies in building faster, being eco-friendlier and using less money and resources. CLT creates the opportunity to do just that.

4. Its a renewable source
The world’s population is so heavily reliant on wood. By ensuring we can replenish its supply in coherence with the demand, we can continue to rely on it for future construction. Utilising renewable resources now is key to a sustainable future. All Cedar Sales Western Red Cedar products have attained the tick of approval from environmental organisations, making it simple to select sustainable wood for your project.

5. Promotes a greener way of life
We already know that the use of sustainably sourced timber is beneficial for the environment, and it’s undoubtedly easy on the eyes, but its use in our homes and businesses can also have a positive outcome on our power bills. Timber offers excellent thermal properties, meaning you can cut back on heating and cooling throughout the entire year. Western Red Cedar’s low density makes it a great insulator, and its use for cladding keeps buildings cool in summer, and warmer in winter.

Luckily for us in Australia, we have systems in place to ensure we only use sustainably sourced timber, making it easy to take off with the trend. With that guarantee in mind, going green has never been easier for you! To learn more about the sustainable practices at Cedar Sales, get in touch with the team