Why Build With Wood
Posted: August 1, 2016Source: Naturally:Wood
As building products, systems and technologies evolve, one material remains in demand: wood. Wood costs less – economically and environmentally – and it’s one of the most beautiful, versatile, durable and renewable materialsavailable.
Wood costs less and delivers more
Wood-frame construction is typically faster, material costs are lower and construction techniques are efficient. Wood building systems typically cost less to install than other materials. Whether comprised of traditional wood framing, panelized products or prefabricated assemblies, wood construction has proven to expedite project completion.
Wood’s relative light weight reduces the need for foundation capacity and associated costs. Product is readily available and a wide array of wood design and building expertise exists across British Columbia (B.C.).
Determining the true cost of a building material requires evaluating the product over its life cycle and taking into account its environmental and monetary costs. When considered over its lifetime—from harvest of raw materials through manufacturing, transportation, installation, use, maintenance and disposal or recycling—wood performs better than concrete and steel in terms of embodied energy, air and water pollution, and carbon footprint.
Wood reduces environmental impact
Research has shown that wood products need the least amount of energy to manufacture and that this process has the lowest impact on air and water quality. Using wood can offset climate change since trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and the resulting products continue to store much of this carbon for decades or even centuries.
Wood has long been a popular building choice and engineered wood products are reducing waste at every stage, increasing versatility and strengthening performance. The environmental benefits are further strengthened when the wood comes from a responsible jurisdiction like B.C., that has sustainable forest practices backed by third-party forest certification and advanced wood manufacturing technology.