Eco-Friendly Cladding Guide – Everything You Need to Know

With environmental concerns at the forefront of everyone’s mind, from builders to architects, timber cladding provides an eco-friendly building solution.

Environmental Benefits of Timber Cladding

Timber Cladding Provides Effective Insulation

Timber cladding is favoured for its effective sound and heat insulation, retaining heat far better than alternative common building materials such as concrete, steel and aluminium. Insulation is key in ensuring a building is energy efficient, and that any money spent on heating is not wasted through the walls.

A fabric-first approach – often taken in environmentally considered builds – focuses on maximising the performance of materials that make up the building fabric. Once effective materials have been chosen and solutions found, then mechanical and electric building service systems can be considered. Timber cladding is a go-to material when considering building energy efficiency because of its superior thermal insulation properties.

Timber Cladding is a Renewable Resource

Sustainably sourced timber cladding is a truly renewable organic resource, growing infinitely so long as replanting is in place and ongoing. Where non-recyclable or non-reusable materials are used, waste can be created. With timber cladding, the environmental impact of use is next to nothing as the source material can be replaced through replanting.

At NORclad, explicit care is taken over finding sustainable sources of timber. We ensure our suppliers follow strict replanting schemes, are FSC and or, PEFC certified, and are in line with government legislation. Through meticulous sourcing of timber, we promote environmental goals with focus on the future and sustainability of our planet.

See more: Our Environmental Policy

Timber Cladding is Effectively Carbon Neutral

Timber is vital in the reduction of CO2 in our atmosphere and production of oxygen. For every tonne of CO2 a tree absorbs from the atmosphere, nearly ¾ of a tonne of oxygen is produced. Even once felled and cladded to a building, timber continues to absorb and store carbon dioxide. Using wood instead of other building materials saves an average of 0.9 tonnes of CO2 per cubic metre.

To reduce carbon footprint of timber cladding packaging and transport, more sustainable solutions can be found. Carbon emissions generated through transport can be reduced by purchasing homegrown timber, such as Western Red Cedar from the UK and not Canada.

Timber Cladding Creates No Waste

Unlike other building materials, any timber not used, or offcuts, can be used for firewood and sawdust. Through reusing timber, waste is reduced, if not non-existent, and none should reach landfill. Additionally, timber releases vital nutrients to be reabsorbed back into the earth, making it extremely eco-friendly.

This is a vital characteristic as landfill overuse is a pressing environmental concern to many. Reducing waste and reusing materials are positive environmental actions.

Timber Cladding is Durable

Materials that stand the test of time and survive in harsh conditions are more eco-friendly than those needing constant upkeep and replacement. Once properly installed, with certain considerations, one can expect timber cladding to last between 40 to 60 years. There are additional non-toxic treatments available to possibly slow the rate of weathering , and increase the life span of less durable species.

See more: How Long does Timber Cladding Last?

Timber cladding can withstand a variety of weather conditions and wear, with trees grown in harsher conditions creating naturally more durable timber. This makes cladding an environmentally friendly building material as it should last years without creating non-recyclable waste.

Timber Cladding and Eco-Homes

Eco-homes are buildings designed and built to minimise their environmental impact, using considered materials and eco-friendly energy efficiency solutions. There are many types of eco-home and eco-friendly systems available, however there are 9 sustainability criteria for eco-homes under the Code for Sustainable Homes in the UK. These criteria include materials and pollution, both demanding sustainable materials with energy efficiency properties (such as insulation) to reduce environmental impact of the building.

See more: How to Build an Eco-Home – Step by Step Guide

While it may be unrealistic to expect all new builds to be able to include all the criteria for eco-homes, residential or not, a consideration of the 9 criteria and eco-friendly solutions could have a big environmental impact. Timber cladding is an ideal material for those looking to create eco-friendly builds, with superior environmental benefits and energy efficiency potential.

Eco-Friendly Timber Cladding with NORclad

Here at NORclad, we take our environmental policy seriously, and are proud to promote certified suppliers, quality timber, and environmentally considered solutions. From homegrown timber alternatives, to implementing vital treatments ensuring longevity, we implement services with clients and the environment in mind.

If you would like to find out more about our products, policy, or about timber cladding in general, speak to one of our friendly team today.

Contact NORclad today >

See more: How to Protect Timber From the Elements?