Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

The use of timber in construction

2012-10-25T08:06:26Z

PEFC UK:

= Wood: The Sustainable Choice =

Forests and forest-based products have a number of features and characteristics which make them ideal products for sustainable consumption.

== Climate-mitigating properties ==

Forests play a key role regulating the volume of climate changing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They capture carbon dioxide and store it in wood, soil and biomass. Forest products, including wood, timber and paper can store carbon dioxide for several decades. (Carbon dioxide is only released when wood burns or decomposes.)

== Substitution opportunities ==

Wood is durable and strong. This makes it a good choice as a building material. Studies have also demonstrated that over their lifetime, wood products are associated with far lower greenhouse gas emissions than building materials including steel, concrete and aluminium.

== Energy-efficient ==

Wod and wood products require relatively less energy to extract and harvest than other resources. Similarly, burning biomass in the place of traditional fossil fuels releases comparatively less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while wood and cellulose yield high energy efficiency.

== Source of income, livelihoods and poverty alleviation ==

Forestry represents 3% of the world’s gross economic output. Forests are a source of livelihoods and income for communities throughout the world, particularly in developing countries.

== Life-cycle assessments show that wood is a good choice ==

Unlike other resources whose supply is finite or whose life-cycle is measured in tens of thousands or in millions of years, forests are a renewable resource with a relatively short growth cycle. As such, they have the potential to continue yielding their products and services indefinitely.

== No waste by-product ==

The use of wood and forest-based products has the potential to generate no waste. It is possible to use the entire resource. Once the timber has been harvested, wood residues and biomass can be burned for energy, wood chips can be used for compost and spreading on fields, while leaves and pine needles can be composted and used for agricultural and cultivation purposes.

= Tropical Timber =

 Tropical forests constitute the principal reserve of species and biodiversity worldwide. They are also a source of livelihoods for large numbers of people. Yet, they are among the most threatened ecosystems. Threats to tropical and sub-tropical forests include population growth, poverty and institutional failings, all of which can result in illegal logging, one of the most severe threats to these ecosystems. Sustainable management and consumption of tropical forests and timber can actually contribute to their conservation. This in turn can contribute to the protection and survival of the communities, wildlife and biodiversity that depend upon them. One of the most effective ways to protect a resource is by creating incentives for its conservation. In the case of tropical timber, this can be achieved by placing an economic value on the timber and trading it in the market place. The value must be realistic and it must but also reflect market values applied in industrialized nations, the source of greatest demand for tropical timber and products. Returns to the local communities responsible for harvesting the wood must also be equitable. Certification adds value to the wood being traded. Using tropical timber to generate incomes and livelihoods provides important incentives to ensure that the resource is conserved so that it can continue to yield its full range of benefits over the long term. Equally, creating an economic market value for the resource contributes in no small measure to combating illegal logging.

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The text in this article was reproduced with the kind permission of --[[User:PEFC UK|The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification]] 09:03, 25 October 2012 (BST)

= See also =

*Sustainable materials.
*Sustainability.
*Chain of custody.
*Forest ownership.
*Forests.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]
[[Category:Sustainability]]

The use of timber in construction

2012-10-25T08:03:16Z

PEFC UK:

User:PEFC UK

2012-10-25T07:03:42Z

PEFC UK:

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification. PEFC UK was established in 2000 and is an endorsed member of PEFC International. PEFC International is an umbrella organisation that endorses national forest certification systems developed through multi-stakeholder processes and tailored to local priorities and conditions. PEFC works throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. Thanks to its eco-label, customers and consumers are able to identify products from sustainably managed forests. With about 30 endorsed national certification systems and more than 240 million hectares of certified forests, PEFC is the world's largest forest certification system.

Visit our website [http://www.pefc.co.uk/ http://www.pefc.co.uk/]

Forest ownership

2012-10-24T12:54:07Z

PEFC UK:

= FOREST OWNERSHIP globally =

Globally, it is estimated that of the 3.9 billion hectares of the world’s forests, 86% are publicly owned. This includes approximately 200 million hectares of tribal and community-managed forests. At a regional level also, a large percentage of forests are publicly owned including in:

*Oceania (76%)
*Europe (incl. Russia) (90%)
*Asia (95%)
*Africa (98%)
*North and Central America (70%) and
*South America (82%).

Within regions too, high proportions of forests and forests lands are publicly owned. In Russia, 100% of forests are publicly owned, with public ownership dominating in the Confederation of Independent States (CIS) and several other former Communist countries. In Western Europe, the proportions of forest lands that are publicly-owned are in example 54% in Germany, 77% in Greece, 66% in Ireland, and 68% in Switzerland. Only in the USA is more forest land under private ownership with non-industrial and industrial owners together accounting for 57% of forest ownership. While all forests play a key role in providing ecosystem services, contributing to the global sustainable development objective and combating climate change, it is generally accepted that private forests provide proportionally more market commodities than their publicly-owned and managed counterparts. In developing countries, whole communities depend upon sustainable forest management for their livelihoods. In developed countries, family forest owners have been managing forests as part of a tradition handed down for several generations. They usually have a strong attachment to the land and a commitment to the continued and sustainable management of their forests and provide the raw materials to the forest industry sector, which in Europe is estimated to contribute about 9% of European GDP. While many family forest owners also rely on their forest holdings to supplement their livelihoods and family incomes, the financial benefits accruing to small family forest owners are relatively minor, given the relative small size of their forest-land holdings. Equally, without the economies of scale presented by large forest holdings and plantations, it is difficult for small family and community-owned forests to maintain a competitive advantage. All these features increase the imperative for demonstrating, through a process of certification, that their forests are being managed with respect for the highest ecological, economic and social standards. Yet, for small and fragmented forest-holdings, certification can be both costly and resource and time-consuming.

= FOREST OWNERSHIP in the UK =

Around two-thirds of the UK's woodland resource is privately owned – by individuals, family trusts, charitable trusts or companies. It is estimated that there are about 40 000 private woodland owners who own areas greater than 5 hectares. Typically, woodlands owned by private and family interests are a part of mixed estates or are on farms. There are many thousands of small farm woodlands, but very few owners with more than 1000 hectares of woodland. Management of woodlands for game is an important objective on many estates with woodland and on some farms. Typically timber production is considered important in the larger family estates and company owned forests. An increasing number of woods are managed specifically for recreational and conservation purposes by charitable trusts and private owners. The remaining one-third of woodlands is owned publicly, the bulk of it managed by the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland (DARD). In the main, these are 'new' forests established in the 20th century in areas of low agricultural value, particularly in the uplands, using mainly conifer species. Some woodlands are owned and managed by other public agencies, including local authorities.

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The text in this article was reproduced with the kind permission of --[[User:PEFC UK|The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification]] 13:54, 24 October 2012 (BST)

= See also =

*Sustainable materials.
*Sustainability.
*Chain of custody.
*Forests.
 

[[Category:Products_/_components]]
[[Category:Sustainability]]

Forests

2012-10-24T12:53:12Z

PEFC UK:

= Overview =

The United Kingdom has no natural forest, but has about 650 000 hectares of semi-natural woodland of which 288 000 hectares are classed as ancient and semi-natural (1.2% of land area). This is mainly broadleaved, but includes the native pine forests of highland Scotland. Semi-natural woodlands are especially significant for wildlife conservation because they support a high proportion of rare and threatened species. They are also important for landscape and cultural heritage. Timber production and recreation are important uses of semi-natural woodland, but careful management is required to avoid conflict with special wildlife interests. Ancient semi-natural woodlands are especially valuable as some are remnants of the original post-glacial forest. Conservation of natural habitat is of prime importance. Broadleaved tree species are a traditional part of much of the planted woodlands, the largely man-made landscape of the UK. Most of the common broadleaved tree species are either native to the British Isles, or have been established there for many centuries. They have been planted for a wide variety of purposes: landscape, amenity, timber production, shelter and game. Their quality as timber trees is variable, but there is always a lively demand for good quality hardwood trees, and the broadleaved resource, as a whole, supports a small but viable sawmilling industry. The commercial base of the forest industry relies heavily on introduced tree species, particularly Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) from North America. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is the only native conifer of economic significance. There are about a dozen conifer species in common forestry use.

= Great Britain =

The woodlands of the England, Scotland and Wales reflect changes in land-use over several thousand years. During this period the land, which was once largely covered with woodland, was cleared of trees and used to satisfy the demands of an increasing population for timber, fuel and agriculture. By the beginning of the 20th century woodland cover was around 5%. Today this figure has risen to 11.9% (2.74 million hectares), as the result of commitment to a steady programme of planting by successive governments, and the enthusiasm of many landowners and foresters. It is currently the policy of each country administration within the UK to increase the woodland area. Due to extensive afforestation and woodland creation programmes, forest cover in the UK has increased by 1.7 million hectares over the last century. However, it is still only 12 per cent, compared to the European average of 33 per cent, the area of woodland cover per capita being 0.05 hectares per person. The high population density of the UK has resulted in uniquely strong public pressure on forestry aesthetics and a demanding forest planning system to ensure that non-production benefits, such as landscape and recreation, are fully considered. The Forestry Commission serves as the department of Forestry for the Westminster Government and within the devolved administrations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and is responsible for forest legislation and policy in Great Britain. The UK Forestry Standard and the Forestry Act 1967 form the basis for legal and sustainable management. The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) is the national forest certification standard. Extensive programmes of woodland diversification are under way to improve landscape impacts, continuity of habitats, biodiversity provision, continuity of timber supply and opportunities for recreation. Restoration of semi-natural woodlands and creation of new native woodland habitats are also policy priorities, along with the creation of new woodlands on urban fringes. Valuable habitats, such as ancient woodland remnants, are protected as part of plantation management.

= Northern Ireland =

From a base of only 1.4% of land area in 1919, forests and woodland have expanded to cover 6% of the land area of Northern Ireland. This is, however, much less than the 10% cover in the Republic of Ireland, 12% cover in Great Britain and 33% cover in Europe. The restoration of forestry was driven first by a need to develop a strategic reserve of timber for use in a time of national emergency, and then by a need to promote economic development through the supply of raw material to sawmills and other industrial applications. Today there are 86,000 ha of forests, of which DARD owns three quarters. Most of this forest is concentrated in the uplands in the north and west of Northern Ireland and is managed by the Forest Service, an Agency of the Department. The Department has published a target for new afforestation of an additional 1,500ha by 2008 at an annual rate of 500ha. All forests, including Forest Service plantations, are managed on a sustainable basis and subject to independent audit and certification against the UKWAS. This Standard encompasses the UK Forestry Standard as a minimum, but also requires forest managers to deliver a programme of habitat restoration, conservation and environmental enhancement and social engagement, whilst ensuring economic viability.

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The text in this article was reproduced with the kind permission of --[[User:PEFC UK|The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification]] 13:53, 24 October 2012 (BST)

= See also =

*Sustainable materials.
*Sustainability.
*Chain of custody.
*Forest ownership.

 

[[Category:Products_/_components]]
[[Category:Sustainability]]

Forests

2012-10-24T12:51:25Z

PEFC UK:

= Overview =

The United Kingdom has no natural forest, but has about 650 000 hectares of semi-natural woodland of which 288 000 hectares are classed as ancient and semi-natural (1.2% of land area). This is mainly broadleaved, but includes the native pine forests of highland Scotland. Semi-natural woodlands are especially significant for wildlife conservation because they support a high proportion of rare and threatened species. They are also important for landscape and cultural heritage. Timber production and recreation are important uses of semi-natural woodland, but careful management is required to avoid conflict with special wildlife interests. Ancient semi-natural woodlands are especially valuable as some are remnants of the original post-glacial forest. Conservation of natural habitat is of prime importance. Broadleaved tree species are a traditional part of much of the planted woodlands, the largely man-made landscape of the UK. Most of the common broadleaved tree species are either native to the British Isles, or have been established there for many centuries. They have been planted for a wide variety of purposes: landscape, amenity, timber production, shelter and game. Their quality as timber trees is variable, but there is always a lively demand for good quality hardwood trees, and the broadleaved resource, as a whole, supports a small but viable sawmilling industry. The commercial base of the forest industry relies heavily on introduced tree species, particularly Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) from North America. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is the only native conifer of economic significance. There are about a dozen conifer species in common forestry use.

= Great Britain =

The woodlands of the England, Scotland and Wales reflect changes in land-use over several thousand years. During this period the land, which was once largely covered with woodland, was cleared of trees and used to satisfy the demands of an increasing population for timber, fuel and agriculture. By the beginning of the 20th century woodland cover was around 5%. Today this figure has risen to 11.9% (2.74 million hectares), as the result of commitment to a steady programme of planting by successive governments, and the enthusiasm of many landowners and foresters. It is currently the policy of each country administration within the UK to increase the woodland area. Due to extensive afforestation and woodland creation programmes, forest cover in the UK has increased by 1.7 million hectares over the last century. However, it is still only 12 per cent, compared to the European average of 33 per cent, the area of woodland cover per capita being 0.05 hectares per person. The high population density of the UK has resulted in uniquely strong public pressure on forestry aesthetics and a demanding forest planning system to ensure that non-production benefits, such as landscape and recreation, are fully considered. The Forestry Commission serves as the department of Forestry for the Westminster Government and within the devolved administrations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and is responsible for forest legislation and policy in Great Britain. The UK Forestry Standard and the Forestry Act 1967 form the basis for legal and sustainable management. The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) is the national forest certification standard. Extensive programmes of woodland diversification are under way to improve landscape impacts, continuity of habitats, biodiversity provision, continuity of timber supply and opportunities for recreation. Restoration of semi-natural woodlands and creation of new native woodland habitats are also policy priorities, along with the creation of new woodlands on urban fringes. Valuable habitats, such as ancient woodland remnants, are protected as part of plantation management.

= Northern Ireland =

From a base of only 1.4% of land area in 1919, forests and woodland have expanded to cover 6% of the land area of Northern Ireland. This is, however, much less than the 10% cover in the Republic of Ireland, 12% cover in Great Britain and 33% cover in Europe. The restoration of forestry was driven first by a need to develop a strategic reserve of timber for use in a time of national emergency, and then by a need to promote economic development through the supply of raw material to sawmills and other industrial applications. Today there are 86,000 ha of forests, of which DARD owns three quarters. Most of this forest is concentrated in the uplands in the north and west of Northern Ireland and is managed by the Forest Service, an Agency of the Department. The Department has published a target for new afforestation of an additional 1,500ha by 2008 at an annual rate of 500ha. All forests, including Forest Service plantations, are managed on a sustainable basis and subject to independent audit and certification against the UKWAS. This Standard encompasses the UK Forestry Standard as a minimum, but also requires forest managers to deliver a programme of habitat restoration, conservation and environmental enhancement and social engagement, whilst ensuring economic viability.

----

The text in this article was reproduced with the kind permission of --[[User:PEFC UK|PEFC UK]] 13:51, 24 October 2012 (BST)

= See also =

*Sustainable materials.
*Sustainability.
*Chain of custody.
*Forest ownership.
 

[[Category:Products_/_components]]
[[Category:Sustainability]]

User:PEFC UK

2012-10-24T12:50:43Z

PEFC UK: Created page with "The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Managemen..."

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification. PEFC UK was established in 2000 and is the member of PEFC International. PEFC International is an umbrella organisation that endorses national forest certification systems developed through multi-stakeholder processes and tailored to local priorities and conditions. PEFC works throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. Thanks to its eco-label, customers and consumers are able to identify products from sustainably managed forests. With about 30 endorsed national certification systems and more than 220 million hectares of certified forests, PEFC is the world's largest forest certification system.

Visit our website [http://www.pefc.co.uk/ http://www.pefc.co.uk/]