Wood surpasses steel and concrete in the following categories:
Wood products require much less energy to produce than concrete or steel. An independent comparison of the energy needed to obtain, manufacture, transport and install building materials for identical wood frame, steel frame and concrete houses proves wood's environmental superiority over alternative materials. The result is more fossil fuels saved with less air and water pollution.
- Although wood products make up 47% of all raw materials manufactured in the United States, its share of energy consumption during manufacturing is only 4%.
- Results show that the manufacture of wood materials use 53% less energy than steel and 120% less energy than concrete.
As the world's only renewable building material, wood can not only be recycled, but regenerated as well.
- North American Forests have grown 20% since 1970.
Wood product manufacturing produces far fewer greenhouse gases.
Wood has the lowest impact on air and water quality. This is especially true when compared to the manufacture of recycled steel. Forest regeneration also creates more trees which benefit the environment while they grow, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Copyright© Western Red Cedar Lumber Association 2005.
