Sustainable Materials for A Better Tomorrow

The market for thermally modified wood has been growing since it came on the scene in the 90’s in Europe. It’s popularity has recently expanded with societal shifts toward sustainability and green building in modern architecture and design, and rightly so. At its core, it utilizes a renewable resource (wood), is modified using just heat and steam to get 25+ years of performance, and it can be repurposed or recycled at the end of its life. That’s what we call a triple threat.

Sustainability is a critical consideration when it comes to the use of any type of wood. Arbor Wood is a premier choice for sustainably harvested thermally modified wood. Our material can be used in place of more expensive tropical wood species and is a domestic, renewable, and environmentally conscious option. Here are the main reasons why choosing thermally modified wood is a sustainable choice:

Reduced need for chemicals

One of the benefits of thermally modified wood is that it requires fewer chemicals for preservation than untreated wood. This is because the heat treatment process itself helps to improve the wood's resistance to decay and insects, reducing the need for chemical treatments.

Longer lifespan

Thermally modified wood has a longer lifespan than untreated wood, which means that it does not need to be replaced as frequently. This reduces the overall demand for wood and helps to conserve natural resources.

Energy Efficiency

The process of thermally modifying wood requires energy, but it is a relatively energy-efficient process compared to other wood treatment methods. This is because the wood is heated using a closed system, which reduces the amount of energy required to heat the wood.

Recyclable

Thermally modified wood is recyclable and can be reused or repurposed at the end of its lifespan. This helps to reduce waste and the demand for new wood products.

Sustainable Sourcing

It is important to ensure that the wood used in the thermal modification process comes from sustainable sources. This means that the wood is harvested responsibly, without causing damage to forests or other ecosystems.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Using thermally modified wood can help reduce the carbon footprint of a construction project. This is because the process of thermally modifying wood involves heating it to a high temperature, which releases some of the carbon stored in the wood. However, this is offset by the fact that thermally modified wood is more durable and long-lasting than untreated wood, which means that it can replace other materials that have a higher carbon footprint, such as concrete, steel, or plastics. Be sure to consider the carbon footprint of the production and shipping of the thermally modified wood you purchase, many manufacturers are based in Europe and do a lot of overseas shipping. Arbor Wood Co. is a domestic manufacturer using trees responsibly sourced in the USA.

Improved Aesthetics

Thermally modified wood has a distinct appearance, with darker colors and a unique texture. This can make it an attractive choice for interior and exterior applications, reducing the need for paint or other coatings that can have negative environmental impacts.

Reduced Waste

The thermal modification process can be done with a variety of wood species, including those that are less common or less commercially valuable. This means that it can help to reduce waste by utilizing wood that might otherwise be discarded or used for lower-value products.

Water Resistance

Thermally modified wood has improved water resistance compared to untreated wood. This can make it a suitable choice for outdoor applications, reducing the need for regular maintenance or replacement of outdoor structures that are exposed to moisture.

Certification

Look for thermally modified wood that has been certified by an independent third-party organization, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications ensure that the wood has been sourced from responsibly managed forests and that the thermal modification process meets environmental and social standards.

In summary, thermally modified wood can be considered sustainable due to its reduced need for chemicals, longer lifespan, energy efficiency, recyclability, and the importance of sustainable sourcing. As with any wood product, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the entire lifecycle of the product, from sourcing to disposal. By choosing sustainable wood products like thermally modified wood, we can help to reduce the environmental impact of our building and design projects.