Did you know that timber plays a significant role in carbon storage? Therefore, by choosing timber in design and construction projects this can help in tackling climate change in several ways.

How does the storage process work? As the growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere they store it as carbon in places such as their leaves, wood and other organic matter. During the carbon dioxide absorption process, oxygen is released into the atmosphere. The carbon then stays locked in the wood for the duration of the timber’s lifespan until it either rots, decays or is burnt.

Wood is the natural solution to climate change. An example of this is Australia’s native forests, timber plantations and wood products which are all net absorbers of greenhouse gases. In 2005, they impressively sequestered (or stored) 56.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, thereby reducing Australia’s overall greenhouse gas emissions by almost 10%. The combination of carbon sequestration in growing trees and the long term carbon storage in wood products signifies a major net sink and carbon storage for Australia.

For more about carbon storage and its benefits for the environment, visit www.naturallybetter.com.au.