Each tree is a “Fingerprint of Nature.”
Natural
It is a raw material found in great quantities all around the world. Over 1/3 of the Earth’s land is covered in forests.
Sustainable
More and more trees are planted every year, making wood a very responsible material to use. In the US alone, about 4 million seedlings are planted every day. Wood is THE ONLY natural resource that naturally replenishes itself.
Organic
Healthy and growing trees absorb carbon dioxide and release pure oxygen.
In addition, wood will decompose on its own and return to the earth’s cycle. Many other wood imitations like plastic laminates, foils and metal will not naturally bio-degrade.
Versatile
Renewable & Reusable
Beautiful
Genuine woods have a warmth and beauty that only nature can create. Wood furnishings and interiors are a hallmark of prestige.
Ask yourself, is there a natural material that minimizes or eliminates carbon in the environment more than wood? One of nature’s greatest gifts, wood is a renewable resource that provides a wide range of benefits from the time it is in woods, brought to the manufacturing facility and constructed into a design.
The biggest reasoning behind why “wood is green” is its ability to store carbon dioxide. From the time trees are planted up until they are harvested, they are absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon. This carbon remains confined within the trunks, leaves and roots of the wood even after it is harvested. One of the benefits of this greenhouse gas that is polluting the atmosphere is that it can easily be controlled. The amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment can be greatly reduced and climate change can be tackled by harvesting regularly and using wood products, which locks away carbon for life. Increased use of wood products encourages the expansion of forests, and as long as they are well managed, more carbon dioxide is captured from the atmosphere through new growth.
Wood is also green because of the low amount of energy it uses during production compared to other materials. The use of wood in buildings whether it be for wall framing/paneling, flooring, overall structure or other wood elements, helps save energy over the lifetime of the building because of the ability of wood to serve as thermal insulator.
Another great thing about wood is the fact that very little waste is generated during manufacturing. Wood is green during manufacturing practices because any leftover timber that is
not veneer quality is burned to heat and power production instead of using fossil fuels.
Lastly, wood is green because it is certifiable. Buying wood veneer with the FSC, PEFC or CITES label ensures that you are buying products from a company that is cutting edge in sustainability. The source of certified wood is tracked from the time the logs are harvested and the forests they came from all the way to the manufacturer. Choosing and using wood veneer that is certified guarantees authenticity and quality in any design.
For the environmentally conscious designer, architect, woodworker or building professional, wood is the obvious choice. Wood exudes warmth, natural beauty and sensuous strength while providing a rich design appeal. In a world increasingly concerned with sustainability and environmental conservation, using wood combines beauty and durability, thermal protection and a slew of “green” benefits to deliver the designer spaces of ideal look, feel and function.
