When we talk about sustainable construction, no material offers more natural advantages than wood. It’s not just renewable, it actively helps combat climate change.
Unlike steel or concrete, which require energy-intensive processes that release massive amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere, wood absorbs and stores carbon dioxide throughout its life. Trees naturally capture CO₂ as they grow, locking carbon into their fibers. When harvested responsibly, this carbon remains stored in the timber products, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere for decades, or even centuries. In fact, using wood instead of more carbon-heavy materials can significantly lower the overall carbon footprint of any building project.
Concrete production alone accounts for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions, and steel production adds another 7%. In contrast, sustainably sourced wood acts as a carbon sink, making it a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.
How is wood sustainable? Fighting climate change by building with wood
Wood is uniquely sustainable because it is one of the only building materials that actively removes carbon from the atmosphere. Each cubic meter of wood can store up to one ton of CO₂. Using wood products in construction not only locks in this carbon but also reduces reliance on emissions-heavy materials like cement and steel.
Moreover, sustainably managed forests certified under standards like FSC® and PEFC™ ensure that new trees are planted to continue the cycle of carbon capture, enhancing the environmental benefits over time. Building with wood is, therefore, not just a passive choice; it’s an active step toward reversing climate change.
Building the Future: How TIMBRA Tech is Innovating with Wood
At TIMBRA Tech, we push this natural advantage even further. 100% of our wood species are certified by FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) or PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), guaranteeing that they come from responsibly managed forests that promote biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health.
We also enhance wood’s performance through Thermal Modification Technology, a process using only heat and steam to make the wood more durable, stable, and weather-resistant without any harmful chemicals. Thermally modified wood extends the life of timber products, meaning fewer replacements, less resource extraction, and lower environmental impact over time.
Choosing wood especially thermally modified and sustainably certified wood means choosing a material that:
- Stores CO₂, rather than emitting it
- Requires far less energy to produce compared to steel or concrete
- Supports healthy forests and responsible land management
- Creates beautiful, durable, and environmentally friendly structures
At TIMBRA Tech, we believe that building with wood is not just a style choice, it’s a statement of commitment to a more sustainable world.
Build Smart. Build Sustainable. Build with TIMBRA Tech.
Referências:
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2018/06/making-concrete-change-innovation-low-carbon-cement-and-concrete
https://www.iea.org/reports/iron-and-steel-technology-roadmap