Sustainability really has come full circle in recent years. Now as companies and individuals we’re more conscious than ever of our impact on people and planet – but it’s not always easy to maintain environmentally friendly credentials.
This is just one of the reasons we love to work with timber. It’s a completely natural resource in itself, but the manufacturing processes we use also help contribute to a lower carbon footprint. Once in-situ, timber boasts even more green benefits, with naturally insulative properties to keep energy bills low and noise pollution at bay.
Timber sash windows are a sustainable and beautiful addition to any home – built with renewable and non-toxic materials. They not only provide timeless, elegant charm, but also play a pivotal role in establishing more sustainable, eco-friendly living environments and public spaces. In addition to their sought-after aesthetic, choosing timber frames aligns with a number of green building certifications, and responsible sourcing of timber supports sustainable forestry practices which preserve vital habitats for generations to come. Here we explore the lesser-known green benefits of timber windows and share tips and advice to help you make a smart, sustainable selection for your next project.
Timber: A natural resource
Timber is still one of the most eco-friendly, easily recyclable building materials available today. It is a completely natural, renewable resource that can be continuously replenished through responsible forestry practices, which promotes long-term sustainability. At the end of its life timber can easily be disposed or repurposed without harming the environment. This gives it almost unrivalled green credentials, especially in direct comparison with popular alternatives like uPVC or aluminium which often end up in landfill and are challenging (or in many cases impossible) to repair, reuse or recycle.
Unlike other green materials, timber has additional benefits to offer for the eco-conscious. Firstly, it doesn’t need to be manufactured, and minimal processing is involved to turn wood into windows and other usable items. There are even non-toxic, environmentally friendly tints and paints to choose from now for those looking to customise the look of their window frames. Compared with synthetic material, timber even helps to improve indoor air quality by emitting fewer pollutants.
As a living material, timber also sequesters carbon, helping to mitigate the impact of increasing amounts of man-made pollution and greenhouse gases. It does this throughout its lifetime even long after it has left the forest – so using timber in windows continues to contribute to carbon capture, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction.
Unfortunately, no industry is immune to green washing and there are still suppliers out there who don’t source sustainably. Be sure to ask about your company’s green credentials and where they source their timbers from. Most will be happy to share details of their suppliers and FSC verification with you.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Incorporating timber windows can lower the carbon footprint of your construction project and the property itself, both now and in the future. From starting out life as a sapling in the forest to eventually ending up in a workshop and then its final home in a property or public building, the carbon footprint is significantly lower for the production of timber compared to manufacturing of other materials such as uPVC and aluminium. The long-term durability of timber also means that window units can be restored rather than replaced, further reducing the environmental impact of disposal and manufacturing. Their longevity and durability are unmatched.
Circular economy is a current trend in sustainability and has been identified as one of the most meaningful ways to reduce consumption and energy usage in particular – and timber naturally allows for this. If disposal has been recommended as part of a restoration project, timber can be recycled and is a completely biodegradable material, again helping to reduce its environmental impact. Even waste product created during production can be recycled for other use.
Green certification & sustainable forestry practices
Timber is the natural choice for property owners looking to achieve green certification. For many commercial property developers, green credentials are becoming a more pressing concern as buyers and tenants actively seek out spaces that are better for people and the planet. Choosing timber sash windows aligns with several key criteria for various green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment) and FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) such as sustainable sourcing, low environmental impact, energy efficiency and recycling considerations.
Sustainable forestry practices support the environment in many different ways, through prioritising the regeneration of forests by allowing new trees to grow and mature. Timber for sash windows often comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) plantations, guaranteeing that it has been sourced from forests adhering to strict guidelines which ensure that environmental, social and economic standards have been met. The FSC focuses on preserving the ecology and natural habitats of some of the world’s most endangered species, but also on supporting and building thriving communities that live in harmony with nature, further reducing the environmental and social impact of timber farming.
Overall the global timber supply remains abundant and improves the ecological health of forested areas, so using timber helps to support these initiatives and represents a clear commitment to environmentally responsible construction practices.
Energy efficiency
With gas and electricity bills on the rise, energy efficiency has become a key concern for most homeowners. But beyond the financial savings it can bring, energy efficiency is also recognised as a green initiative in itself, as it prevents wasted energy and the need for excessive heating or cooling – reducing energy bills and environmental impact at the same time.
For a long time UPVC dominated as the most energy efficient choice, but studies have shown that timber can be just as protective when it comes to keeping warm air in and cold air at bay. Timber is a natural insulator and acts as a thermal barrier, maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors and retaining heat through their excellent thermal performance.
Another common myth surrounding timber windows is that they can only be single glazed – making them a bad fit for anyone concerned about energy efficiency and noise reduction. Contemporary timber sash windows can actually accommodate triple or double glazing, providing additional insulation against heat loss and protection even when delivering a more classical or traditional finish.
Sustainable and stylish – timber windows
Timber windows are an excellent choice not just as an environmentally friendly material for those who are climate conscious, but also for its practical and aesthetic benefits. Take a look at our case studies here to see real-life examples of beautiful timber windows which offer sustainability and style.
For more information on our timber window fitting and supply only services, please get in touch
