What is sustainability?
Sustainability means the meeting of our needs without compromising the ability
of FUTURE GENERATIONS to meet their own needs.
Sustainability stands on 4 pillars: humanity, socially, economically, and
environmentally.
Humanity: not only does sustainable construction mean improved health for
the people who use these buildings, it also has been shown to improve workers
productivity during construction thanks to better surroundings, work
environments and noise protection.
Timber is a natural element; it is non-toxic and safe to handle.
Socially: We have a responsibility towards our fellow man and future generations
to build with sustainable and environmentally favourable construction materials,
of which WOOD is at the top of the list. Responsibly harvested wood, from
well managed forests that are continuously replenished and ensure that there is
no damage to the surrounding environment or to native flora and fauna. Always
specify certified timber. It is easier than ever before to get certified, sustainable
timber and to find alternatives for timber that are not certified.
Economically: “If it can’t be reduced, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished,
resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or
removed from production.” (Peter Seeger)
Wood is so versatile and fits the bill perfectly! It just makes economic sense.
Matthew Caldwell writes: Timber has significant positive attributes outside the
considerations of embodied carbon, including reduced construction time and
minimised labour costs.
- Timber is relatively simple to machine onto elements with great accuracy.
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Large components are relatively light.
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Timber can be moved efficiently and connected quickly.
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Construction time on site is reduced dramatically.
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The workforce required to erect a structure is relatively small.
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The mass of the structure is lower which saves material in the foundations, unlocks difficult sites or allows additional stories.
Environmentally: Andrew Wylie, a specialist in engineering with timber and timber hybrids writes –
Clients are becoming more aware of the need to reduce carbon use, developing more of a conscience about sustainability and carbon consumption. Timber is one area in which engineering structures can push boundaries.
It is most important to not only build with sustainable materials like wood, but
also make sure that your temporary works on site is of the same quality and can
possibly be re-used on a next project. If you put the effort in to source sustainable products for the build, the same should apply for the temporary works.
Left-over materials at the end of a job are inevitable. If these materials cannot be re-used on a next job, consider sending your leftover timber to a local recycling project where they can be turned into furniture or made available in their raw state. This saves extra waste going into a landfill.
“If you think economy is more important than the environment, try holding your breath whilst counting your money.” Dr Guy McPherson
“He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart,
is an ARTIST.” St Francis of Assissi.
At VC Fit Out we have consistently been sourcing our wood from sustainably
sourced forests, certified and treated accordingly. We pride ourselves in
our workmanship with a small team of skilled carpenters (and artists) who tread
lightly with good intentions. We have extended our timber offerings from
outdoors only, to beautiful options for inside, creating a calm, natural
environment for healthier and aesthetically pleasing living, bringing down the
stress levels and emitting higher levels of oxytocin and serotonin.
“Unless someone like you cares a WHOLE LOT, NOTHING is going to get better.
It’s NOT.” Dr. Suess