FEATURES
Wood in the process of being treated before use in construction .
Not only is the production and processing of wood energy-efficient , giving wood products a low carbon footprint , but wood can often be used to substitute other materials like steel , aluminium , concrete or plastics , which require large amounts of energy to produce .
Every cubic metre of wood used as a substitute for other building materials reduces CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere by an average of 1.1 tonnes ( t ). If this is added to the 0.9t of CO 2 stored in wood , each cubic metre of wood saves a total of 2.0t CO 2
. Based on this , an increase in buildings whose main structural components are made of wood , will produce significant CO 2 savings as prescribed by the
Kyoto Protocol .
Mintroad operates three Bell Tele Loggers as well as multi-purpose heavy-duty handling machinery for its material handling .
WOOD PROTECTION
The natural durability of wood is limited to the heartwood , but this depends on the species , growth conditions and provenance . Apart from a very few , mostly tropical hardwood species , most untreated wood is vulnerable to biodeterioration by fungal decay and wood destroying insects . These biological agencies also degrade the sustainability credentials of untreated wood leading to early failure in service , premature release of CO 2 and economic loss , more characteristic of a linear economy than a desirable circular economy .
www . timberiq . co . za // DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021 17