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ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS | FOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
3) Reducing embodied energy and
resource depletion
Embodied energy includes all energy, direct and indirect,
used to extract, manufacture, transport and install
materials. This principle aims to lower the energy used,
not only during service life, which tends to be in the
control of the designer, but also for producing the
materials. This is another area where life-cycle analysis
can provide the research required for informed choices.
The manufacture of wood uses very little energy so,
even though it may be brought to the building site from
outside the area, the embodied energy will normally
be less than locally manufactured concrete. Life-cycle
comparisons demonstrate that wood has low embodied energy
and is an excellent choice to meet this principle.
This principle also encompasses reducing the depletion
of resources by minimizing the amount of resources used
and, in particular, the amount of non-renewable resources
used.
Wood is the only major building material that is renewable.
Canada's sustainably managed forests ensure that there
is an ample supply. New manufacturing technology allows
every part of the tree to be used so that nothing is
wasted. Advanced engineered wood products make use of
fast growing species to produce high strength products
without requiring large dimension timbers to meet building
needs. In addition, engineered building systems, such
as trusses, allow larger clear spans while reducing
the amount of material required.
Wood is also durable which means that the materials
will last for a long time and not need to be replaced.
Churches in Norway and temples in Japan have lasted
over a thousand years. In North America, there are many
examples of historic wood buildings from the 16th century
that are still standing. Even the foundation of the
Empire State Building rests on wood piles!
In fact, not only does wood last, but there are many
examples of new buildings that have used wood reclaimed
from decomissioned buildings. This is the ultimate in
reducing the consumption of materials, but even the
use of new wood gives it a significant advantage over
other materials. Wood is the only major building material
that is renewable - a reason why Canada's forest base
is still abundant after 150 years of harvesting. Wood
is natural, biodegradable, recyclable, and originates
from Canada's sustainably managed forests.
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Members of the Western Red Cedar Export Association provide western red cedar to Belgium, France, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and other markets around the world. |
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