The argument for increased use of independently certified timber in the modern construction industry is undeniable. Its unique combination of performance and environmental profile allows the construction industry to meet its targets for affordable, efficient and low carbon projects.
The performance of timber is outstanding, explains director Mike Bekin. Its structural and decorative capabilities are already well known; it is suitable and adaptable for all sorts of construction – from building house frames to heavy lock gates and bridges; and it lasts longer than steel or concrete in sea water, one of the Earth’s harshest environments.
There are innumerable ways of incorporating timber into any construction project. Plato Wood for example is a revolutionary technology which upgrades the durability and stability of plentiful yet non-durable softwoods or hardwoods. It makes such timbers suitable to long lasting external applications such as cladding and decking. The process uses no chemicals and very little energy, thus providing a viable and cost-effective alternative to the use of rare hardwoods.
“Unlike any other construction material, timber is truly renewable (after all, it grows on trees!),” says Mike Bekin. “And if we adopt and support sustainable forest management practices, the source can be both inexhaustible while also protected from the destructive interests of extensive industries such as pasture and agriculture. So, contrary to popular belief, buying certified timber helps to save forests.
“What’s more, while growing, trees absorb carbon and release oxygen so, the purchase of certified timber not only helps to protect forests worldwide it also actively contributes to the fight against global warming.
“The only way to protect a forest from turning into extensive agriculture or pasture land is to make money from it. But that must be done sustainably, by respecting both the forest’s growth rhythm and its people. That’s where the Forest Stewardship Council comes in. It provides forests with a workable business model that guarantees long-term protection from over-logging (environmental sustainability) while also protecting local people from being exploited or expelled from the land (social sustainability).”
We are truly excited about going to Ecobuild says Beck Woodrow from FSC UK. “The attention this trade show is attracting is just stronger confirmation of the rising demand for renewable materials. And we are pleased to be promoting timbers from responsibly managed sources as a natural solution to this demand alongside Ecochoice.”
NEW PRODUCTS
*Plato Wood
Plato is a thermo-treatment which upgrades the quality of non-durable hardwoods and softwoods. These acquire important hardwood characteristics such as stability and durability, tapping into applications where in the past usually only rare timbers could go. No chemicals and very little energy are required in the treatment process resulting in thicker sections and less brittleness. The product has been used for cladding in several UK projects as well as decking, fences, highway noise barriers and even sheet piling with direct ground and water contact.
*SafeGrip
SafeGrip strips go into decking grooves to improve the safety of decked areas that are prone to be slippery when wet, muddy or during winter. The product has been tested to BS7976 and complies with the UK Slip Resistance Group guidance. It offers twice the safety recommended for walking surfaces and can be supplied in many different colours, further enhancing safety.
ECOCHOICE LIMITED
Niche company Ecochoice is devoted to marketing only timber from independently certified origins – most through the FSC which has internationally accepted business methods of responsible forestry.
The company is UK and Ireland agent for WJR Reef - Europe’s largest stockist of FSC certified hardwoods for external works, enabling Ecochoice to offer quick delivery of certified timbers for projects of all sizes and complexities.
Species available include Oak, Douglas Fir, Ekki, Opepe, Massaranduba, Angelim, Purpleheart and Jatoba. The company’s standard products include decking, cladding, beams, and fencing, with custom-made sizes and profiles also available.
The business offers architects, consulting engineers, contractors, specifiers and landscapers free CPDs, technical sheets and samples on sustainable timbers.
THE BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CASE FOR TIMBER IS STRONG
