The challenge
The built environment sector is responsible for a significant chunk of global carbon emissions and therefore has a vital role to play in responding to the climate emergency.
39% GLOBAL CARBON EMISSIONS
Buildings are currently responsible for a whopping 39% of global carbon emissions.
EMBODIED CARBON 11% OF GLOBAL CARBON EMISSIONS
Embodied carbon contributes to 11% of total GHG Emissions. This happens during manufacturing, transportation, construction and end of life phases of all buildings and infrastructure.
UPFRONT CARBON 50% OF GLOBAL CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2050
The emissions caused in the materials production and construction phases of the lifecycle before the building or infrastructure begins to be used will be responsible for half of the entire carbon footprint of construction by 2050, threatening to consume a large part of the remaining carbon budget.
THE CHALLENGES
CONSTRUCTION PLYWOOD HAS A HEAVY TOLL ON OUR ENVIRONMENT:
AIR POLLUTION
Carbon and chemical emissions in wood harvesting and plywood manufacturing include wood dust, hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde.
WATER POLLUTION
Pesticide use in forest plantations, soaking of timber, leaching and leakage / run-off of process chemicals and diesel fuel may all result in water pollution.
SOIL AND NOISE POLLUTION
The removal of tree cover and the use of heavy machinery has a significant impact on topsoil erosion.
DEFORESTATION
Reforestation efforts are in place for certain commercial plantations, but this is not monitored or enforced in many parts of the world where deforestation for plywood manufacturing takes place.
DISPOSAL
Plywood has a limited use and lifespan, and reuse possibilities are limited. Due to the presence of chemicals, plywood causes reduced bacterial action during decomposition thereby making it unsuitable as a primary source of composting material. Plywood made with traditional formaldehyde adhesive should not be left to biodegrade.
SHIPPING
Shipping is expensive, carbon heavy and prone to global variables which make it unpredictable and slow.