Why should we use more wood in our buildings?

Simply for 1 reason and 1 reason only, LOWER the Carbon footprint of your building and make it more sustainable.

However, amidst the traditional landscape of construction materials, skepticism often arises when considering wood as a primary building component. In a world accustomed to steel, concrete, and other industrial materials, the notion of constructing significant edifices from wood might initially seem strange and even counterintuitive. The durability and strength of more conventional materials have long been the standard. However, challenging this norm becomes imperative in the face of pressing environmental concerns. Exploring the unorthodox choice of wood as a central construction material prompts a reevaluation of preconceived notions, questioning whether the unconventional might indeed be the key to a more sustainable and ecologically responsible approach to building design.

Undoubtedly, the choice of building materials holds significant implications for a structure's environmental footprint. In this context, the use of wood as a primary construction material emerges as an appealing and sustainable option. With advantages such as being a renewable resource, a natural carbon sink, and exhibiting energy efficiency in production, wood not only establishes a physically robust foundation but also plays a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of a building. This article will delve into the benefits of wood as a primary construction material, aiming to create structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.

Amsterdam confirmed plans this week to build an entire neighborhood out of wood, a renewable material that the region hopes will be key in reducing building emissions.

The new quarter, dubbed the first such neighborhood in a Dutch city in several centuries, reflects a broader commitment by municipalities in Greater Amsterdam in 2020 to ensure that at least 20% of new construction uses wood as its primary material by 2025. The move, the city argues, will do much to reduce the emissions of the construction sector, and possibly provide a model for future wooden developments.

Using wood as a building material offers a multitude of advantages, each contributing to the reduction of a building's carbon footprint:

1. Renewable Resource with Responsible Forestry: Wood stands out as a renewable resource that can be replenished relatively quickly compared to concrete and steel. This stems from responsible forestry practices that focus on sustainable harvesting, ensuring the longevity of wood as a building material. For example, selectively cutting mature trees and replanting saplings is a common practice that maintains the ecological balance of forests.

2. Carbon Sequestration in Trees: The role of wood in carbon sequestration is pivotal. Trees, used in wood production, absorb substantial amounts of carbon dioxide during their growth through photosynthesis. This carbon is then stored in the wood, acting as a natural carbon sink. For instance, a single cubic meter of wood can sequester approximately one ton of CO2, offsetting emissions that would otherwise contribute to the greenhouse effect.

3. Energy Efficiency in Wood Production: Wood's production is notably energy-efficient. Unlike the energy-intensive processes of manufacturing steel and concrete, extracting, processing, and transporting wood have lower energy requirements. This results in a reduced environmental impact, exemplified by the lower carbon emissions associated with the production of wood compared to other construction materials.

4. Lighter Weight for Efficient Transportation: Wood's lightweight nature not only facilitates construction but also significantly reduces transportation-related energy use and emissions. For instance, transporting wooden beams and panels requires less fuel compared to the transportation of heavier alternatives like steel and concrete, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

5. Lower Embodied Energy: Wood boasts lower embodied energy, representing the total energy required for its production, extraction, processing, and transportation. This lower energy footprint contributes to a reduced environmental impact compared to materials such as steel and concrete, aligning with sustainable building practices.

6. Biodegradability and Recyclability: Wood's inherent biodegradability and recyclability add to its eco-friendly profile. At the end of its life cycle, wood can be efficiently recycled or repurposed, minimizing the amount of construction waste in landfills. Utilizing recycled wood in subsequent construction projects further extends its lifespan and reduces the demand for new raw materials.

7. Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits: Beyond its environmental advantages, wood offers aesthetic qualities that contribute to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere within buildings. Research indicates that exposure to natural materials like wood is linked to positive psychological effects, fostering occupant well-being and satisfaction.

While acknowledging these eco-friendly attributes of wood, responsible forestry management is crucial. Ensuring that wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests, where replanting and conservation efforts are prioritized, is essential to maintaining its environmental benefits. Additionally, the suitability of wood as a building material should be assessed in consideration of specific project requirements and adherence to local building codes and regulations.

Having resided in Indonesia for the past eight years, I am motivated to contribute to Indonesia's mission of becoming one of the world's most sustainable countries.

The subject of utilizing wood as a construction material may seem unconventional to many Indonesian civil engineers and architects. However, I encourage you to take a moment to explore this perspective. I am available for further discussion and welcome the opportunity to connect with experts within my network to delve deeper into this matter.

Please feel free to contact me for a more comprehensive conversation.