Are Timber Doors Sustainable?
An ever-increasing emphasis and importance is being placed on the construction industry to adhere to sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, and the use of sustainable materials is a major consideration.
One of the most sustainable building materials used in construction is wood – wooden doors have long been regular features in building projects in both residential and corporate buildings – but not all wood is responsibly sourced from an environmental aspect.
There are, however, an increasing number of responsibly managed forests that can supply timber through eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Here is some information on the advantages and benefits of this sustainable, eco-friendly approach:
Sustainable Timber Doors
Doors that are crafted from timber sourced from responsibly managed forests can be classed as ‘sustainable’. For a forest to achieve that recognition, it must adhere to stringent and rigorous environmental, economic and social practices and standards.
There are established organisations dedicated to promoting responsible forest management such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), that place the long-term health of eco-systems and the well-being of local communities as priorities in forest management. These organisations provide certification for the timber from these forests as ‘sustainably sourced’ timber and therefore ethically and environmentally friendly.
Wood sourced from responsibly managed forests have many environmental advantages such as:
Renewable Resource – Wood is a product that is naturally renewable and can be sustainably harvested and replaced through replanting.
Reduced Carbon Footprint – In comparison to doors manufactured from other materials such as steel or composites and plastic, timber doors have a significantly lower carbon footprint. Wood naturally acts as a ‘carbon sink’ that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide throughout its lifecycle.
Energy Efficiency – One of the natural properties of timber is that of insulation. Wood offers natural thermal properties that make it ideal for doors in any building as they naturally contribute to energy efficiency.
Attractive Aesthetics – Wood is a natural, organic product that projects an inherent warmth and a great appearance. Timber can contain rich grain patterns that offer that beautiful welcoming and warm appearance that enhances any home environment.
Professional Certification – Environmental issues play an increasingly large part in people’s conscience when choosing products. Having officially certified timber doors offers the assurance that the doors have been sourced from responsibly managed forests. This traceability ensures that a customer can be confident they are buying an ethically and environmentally friendly product.
Enhanced Corporate Perception – Construction companies, materials providers, housing associations and such, should be aware of the significance potential buyers put on these environmental and sustainability aspects. Practicing and demonstrating a proven commitment to the sustainability of their products can greatly enhance brand reputation and attract the increasing number of buyers for whom these eco-conscious, green issues are important.
Positive Partnerships – This commitment to sustainability is important not just to eventual buyers or customers, but also to the supply chains and business partners. Establishing working relationships with like-minded business partners ensures compliance with the ethical practices.
Durability – Professionally installed and well-maintained timber doors can last for decades. This durability means that both the necessity and the desire for replacement is greatly reduced in comparison to other doors. This reduces waste in the long term to further reduce the environmental impact.
