Wood in Green Building

Individuals, companies and governments around the world are looking improve the environmental performance of the buildings they construct and the products they use. In developed countries, buildings represent about 35 - 40% of the total national energy consumption and a similar percentage of total national carbon emissions. Greening our buildings is a critical element in the quest for sustainability and the fight against climate change.

Wood is the only renewable building material. Using wood instead of steel or concrete is a powerful way to reduce the construction and operating costs of your project, as well as the environmental impacts.

Advances in wood science and building technology, coupled with modern building codes, allow wood to be used in an increasingly broad range of non-residential, multi-story and longer span buildings and applications. In addition to traditional wood and timber frame construction and finishing applications, there’s a role for wood in every project.

Green building standards that scientifically analyse product impacts using life cycle assessment reward wood use for its dramatic benefits on improving green building performance.

Truly nature’s building material, wood is the clear sustainable choice.