How Low Carbon Wood Can Revolutionize Building

In a world where sustainability is increasingly valued, and eco-friendly materials are constantly sought after, one resource may pose as revolutionary: Low Carbon Wood.

But what is Low-Carbon Wood? Despite the name, the wood itself is not any different from run-of-the-mill lumber. It typically involves sustainable harvesting practices, such as replanting trees at the time of harvest. Also, it involves an efficient processing of such wood, with use of less chemicals, less energy, and less wood from outstretched areas (this reduces carbon emissions from transportation).

Another part of this Low-Carbon Wood is the manner in which it absorbs carbon. Compared to steel or concrete, wood actually absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere instead of generating it. Studies show that with one tonne of wood, it absorbs almost 1,700 kilos of carbon dioxide.

But what are some ways civil engineers can start implementing this wood into construction. Typically, this material is most effective when used in high density environments. In large scale buildings such as rental houses and schools, shifting to a usage of wood may reduce a bulk of carbon emissions that come from construction. But with using timber in construction comes with difficulties. This material is weaker than concrete and steel, which means that we must find ways to make timber stronger. This may mean that will still have to use concrete and steel in construction, but a general increase in wood usage will greatly help in reducing the carbon footprint of engineering.

In the future, we must research ways in order to integrate wood into a variety of structures. If Low-Carbon wood is the future of sustainable structural engineering, civil engineers and researchers alike must find ways to integrate wood into the many structures that comprise our society.