A Guide To Sustainable Timber

What is sustainable timber?

The term ‘sustainable timber’ refers to wood that has been harvested from well-managed forests. These areas are regularly governed, with trees replaced and replenished at an agreed rate. The process in which the timber is harvested has also been tailored to ensure there is little to no damage made to the surrounding area. Forests, where this form of harvesting takes place, will be managed to ensure that native wildlife and plants are not negatively impacted by this act.

What is the FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council© is the world’s most trusted sustainable forest management solution. For the past 25 years, they have used their expertise to help promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Their focuses lie in sustainable use, conservation, restoration and mutual respect.

What does it mean to be FSC-certified?

Considered to be the highest rating that timber can get, an FSC-certification highlights wood which has been sourced and harvested in the most eco-friendly, sustainable and economically viable way. Timber achieves this rating has met the requirements of the FSC and can be used confidently for any number of purposes. You’re also likely to find FSC-certified paper.

The benefits of sustainable timber

Even if you’re not solely focused on protecting our planet, there are a multitude of benefits to using sustainable timber.

Carbon capture

Using sustainable timber helps to reduce the world’s overall carbon footprint. During the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Many people take on the assumption that harvesting wood is bad for the environment because we diminish this cycle and increase carbon in the atmosphere. However, with sustainable timber, new trees are planted to replenish the ones cut down. The wood that has been harvested, if not burnt or allowed to rot, will lock in the carbon it has absorbed. And, once the younger trees have begun to grow, they will take on this carbon-absorption role themselves.

In fact, younger trees will absorb more carbon during the first stages of their lives and this reduces in rate as they age. So a sustainable forest is actually one more able to absorb and work with the carbon levels in our environment.

Low energy embodiment

In contrast to other materials which require fossil fuels for their production, timber takes considerably less energy to produce. All it needs is light and water – two things that are found in nature anyway. In comparison with steel, it has 24% less of an environmental impact on energy that steel does.

Renewable

We’ve all been told that fossil fuels will eventually run out and the need to find sustainable alternatives is vital. Timber, especially sustainable timber, is a natural and 100% renewable material. Within the space of 25-80 years, new trees can be harvested. In comparison with other raw materials that take millennia to renew, this allows us to continue harvesting while feeding our planet with the things it needs to thrive.

Why we should all choose sustainable timber

Sustainable timber is one of those materials that really is a no brainer. It has exceptional strength, durability, versatility and longevity to challenge conventional methods. When using the right materials and working with an experienced team, you can produce all manner of constructions and structures that meet very specific requirements. It is lightweight and easy to transport. This reduces the need for specialist equipment, makes for a most cost-effective delivery process and less disruptive methods.

Sustainable timber moulds

Here at 3D Pattern and Mouldmakers, we specialise in producing a wide range of timber moulds to suit different requirements. Our internal focus on sustainability and the health of our environment is always kept as a priority on every single project. With this, we source the materials we use from well-managed forests. FSC-certified suppliers give us this assurance, allow our team to work sustainably and ensure that your project can fit in with the client’s recommendations.

In our minds, working sustainably can only offer exceptional benefits to everyone involved. It allows us to source more high-quality timber, provide final structures with reassurance and take pride in the projects we play a part in. If you would like more information about timber moulds or would like to speak to a member of our team about a specific project, feel free to get in contact with us here today.