Sustainable Building
Sustainability. It is a word that we hear often, as it is directly connected to the environment. Sustainability is the ability to exist constantly; for the earth’s biosphere and the human population to coexist. It is maintaining an ecological balance, by avoiding the depletion of natural resources and the disruption of vital human ecological systems. By definition, “Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”
It may seem like the solution is simple: Just reduce, reuse and recycle, right? Unfortunately, virtually everything that is produced, requires a natural resource of some sort: raw materials or energy. Repurposing a material that is already manufactured into a new object or item requires that it be broken down. This is often done in very specific facilities, meaning the item to be recycled will likely require shipping. Consideration must also be given to the materials and energy required to re-use the material being recycled, as well as any bi-products or emissions produced in the remanufacturing process. No matter how you look at the challenge, there are subsequent challenges to overcome in our efforts to be responsible stewards of our natural resources. That said, it is a work in progress, and we must continue moving forward with innovations to create solutions.
The construction industry is a large contributor to landfill waste, from debris and packaging from new buildings, as well as discarded materials from renovations or demolitions. Building construction also places a large demand on raw materials. Think of all that goes into a building, from the energy required to break ground, through to the interior finishes and fixtures. Each item is manufactured from some form of material and shipped from wherever it is made. You can see that it is a much layered, complex challenge. In recognizing all the layers of materials and systems in building construction, we also see the many areas where we have the opportunity make positive changes and choices in a combined effort to use less of our natural resources.
As we collectively work on solutions moving forward, the construction industry and the many related manufacturers are working to develop products and systems that address these challenges. Since 1992, when the United Nations held the initial Conference on Environment and Development, the construction industry has come a long way. Here are some of the innovations that are contributing to sustainability in building construction:
Engineered Wood Products
Wood has been the primary construction material for building homes in North America for over 200 years. It is a cost-effective and versatile material. 200 years ago, our forests looked completely different, full of old growth timber which is has been largely depleted. Since then, practices and standards have been put into place to ensure that forests, which are vital to eco-systems and the environment, are there for generations to come. Today, the forestry industry is working hard to adapt to meet the need for wood materials while being environmentally responsible stewards, managing replanted forests, and developing new ways to utilize all the material harvested.
In the past, the process of milling the raw timber created a tremendous amount waste. Poor quality wood and off-cuts could not be used, adding to the waste. With modern technology and innovations, wood fiber, saw dust and off-cuts are now processed using various lamination processes and manufactured into structural wood, replacing solid wood to create sheet goods, dimensional lumber, and trusses.
These wood products are engineered, each with a specific purpose and strength in mind. As such, there is more flexibility in what can be produced, and the quality and characteristics can be controlled. Systems have also been designed to splice short off-cut timbers together to create longer lengths of dimensional lumber. Much of what once was waste is now manufactured into products used in construction. Some examples of this are Glue-Lam Beams and floor joists, Fiberboard (which comes in low/LDF, medium/MDF and high/HDF densities), Laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and Oriented strand board (OSB)
Engineered wood products can be used both for the construction of the building itself as well as well as for the finishing and fixtures in the interior. Cabinetry, millwork, doors and mouldings are often fabricated using fibre-board such as MDF. The core of laminate flooring is also a fibre-board product. Most hardwood found inside of homes is an engineered wood product, with only the top layer being a more precious solid wood. Engineered wood products can offer superior stability and strength, as well as contributing to the sustainability of our forests and the use wood products in construction. You will spot many of these products in a Premier Pacific Home.
Fiber Cement Products
Another great innovation using waste wood materials from the milling process, Fiber Cement products, such as James Hardy Products or Timbercrete, are materials composed of cementitious products and sawdust. It is lighter than concrete, and the sawdust component recycles waste material. The combination creates a product that is stable, durable, and lasting. Fiber Cement can be shaped into pavers, blocks, cultured stone, and bricks, making it both versatile and sustainable. Used as exterior cladding, it withstands the elements, as well as insects. It will not buckle in extreme heat like vinyl siding and does not deteriorate from repeated moisture exposure like wood. It also adds thermal insulation and prevents noise transfer.