Lower Embodied Energy
Embodied energy refers to the total energy consumed throughout a material's life cycle — from extraction through processing, transportation, installation, maintenance and ultimately disposal. From this definition, it becomes immediately apparent that reclaimed wood has significantly lower embodied energy compared to new timber.
Firstly, recycled lumber does not require new harvesting since it comes from existing structures. This eliminates the extraction phase and its associated energy usage. According to a 2022 study, conventional logging machinery like harvesters and forwarders consumed 14.2 million liters of fuel to harvest 8.9 million cubic meters of tree bark.
Most excavation equipment uses diesel, a major source of carbon emissions and air pollution. According to the study findings, these operations generated a combined 40,872 tonnes of CO2, which contributed massively to the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
Reclaimed wood also negates the need for advanced processing — another notorious source of unsustainable energy usage. On average, wood size reduction processes consume approximately 1.67 kWh per hour of continuous operation. The bulk of this electricity comes from fossil fuels like coal and oil, making these procedures unsustainable.
In addition to saving energy, using reclaimed wood over virgin timber can limit ecological pollution from material treatments. Solvent-based preservatives and fire-retardant chemicals used to treat new lumber can often leach into the environment, causing degradation and contamination. Repurposed materials have already undergone these treatments and therefore rarely require new applications.
Local Sourcing
Transporting freshly harvested lumber from the forests to the sawmill and construction sites contributes to the sector's huge energy consumption. A recent study shows that wood transportation accounts for 6% of the embodied energy of a cross-laminated timber building.
In contrast, many reclaimed wood sources are located within urban areas where deconstruction occurs. This proximity reduces transportation distances compared to new timber sourced from remote forests, further decreasing fuel consumption and associated emissions.
Enhanced Thermal Efficiency
Most reclaimed wood today comes from old-growth trees, which are typically denser and more moisture-resistant than the fast-growing varieties sold in stores. These properties develop from their slow growth in natural forests, making them less likely to warp when exposed to temperature changes.
Improved insulation reduces the energy needed for heating and cooling buildings. This decreased reliance on heating systems can lead to less demand for electricity generated from non-renewable sources.
Repurposing Wood for Renewable Energy Production
While reclaimed wood is primarily used in construction and design, it can also be used as a biomass energy production feedstock. Biomass is a clean, renewable energy source because it utilizes naturally occurring resources like crop residues and animal manure for fuel.
While these source materials undergo processing to make them suitable for energy generation, they’re nowhere near as carbon-intensive as fossil fuels. Moreover, they’re easier to replenish through sustainable forestry and agricultural practices.
In situations where salvaged wood cannot be repurposed, using it as feedstock is a much more environmentally friendly alternative than tossing it in landfills. Timber used for biomass energy can come from scrap from construction sites, furniture manufacturing or demolition projects. By converting wood waste into energy, biomass production helps divert material from dump sites and minimizes the impact of disposal issues.
Utilizing these resources reduces dependence on fossil fuels and enhances energy security by diversifying supply points. In 2023, biomass provided nearly 5 trillion British thermal units or 5% of power used in the U.S. — a testament to its viability as a sustainable electricity source.
Reclaimed Wood and Sustainability in the Built Environment
With the demand for processed wood products poised to grow between 60% and 170% by 2050, the need for repurposed materials is more dire than ever. Adopting this approach can significantly mitigate the construction industry's climbing carbon footprint while setting the foundation for sustainable building practices in future developments.
Reduced Deforestation
Roughly 90 percent of America’s ancient forests have been gleaned for timber and other resources to support the demands of a growing population. By eliminating the need to harvest new trees, incorporating reclaimed lumber into building projects can decrease the rate of deforestation.
Lower Impact Manufacturing
Reclaimed wood has already gone through a manufacturing process, so there are fewer steps in making it suitable for reuse. That means it has a lower impact on the environment than wood sourced from freshly cut trees.
Additionally, old-growth timber increases in strength and durability over time, which minimizes the number of treatments that new wood typically has to undergo. This shortens the manufacturing and supply cycle, reducing the amount of transportation involved.
Increased Sequestration Function
It's common knowledge that trees sequester carbon dioxide. Felling them releases some of the stored CO2 back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. The stumps and roots left behind eventually decompose, emitting even more gases over time. Experts estimate wood harvesting could increase CO2 emissions by 3.5 to 4.2 billion tons worldwide by 2050.
Reclaimed wood is the safer, more eco-friendly option since it ensures existing trees and soil remain undisturbed.
Promotes a Recycling Culture
Choosing to use reclaimed lumber affects more than just you. Others around you are more likely to contribute to environmental sustainability, too. Repurposing wood from old buildings, furniture, and other sources reduces waste sent to landfills and encourages a mindset that values the life cycle of materials.
This practice also highlights the potential for creative reuse and prioritizing greener alternatives in building projects, which is essential to fostering a broader cultural shift toward environmental responsibility.
Insist on Reclaimed Wood for Your Next Project
The connection between reclaimed wood and energy sustainability encompasses environmental and economic benefits. By reducing embodied energy consumption, promoting biomass feedstock and supporting responsible forestry practices, repurposed timber plays a vital role in advancing a more sustainable future.
