Natural Timber Windows – Why We Use Sustainable Wood

If you’re on a mission to protect the planet, you might be searching for ways to renovate your house sustainably. We understand why – being green is high on the agenda for many of us. Here at Rural Timber, it’s important to us too. Let’s take a closer look at why we use sustainable wood throughout all our work.

1. PVC is more hazardous than wood, experts sayAccording to the World Wide Fund for Nature, the world’s leading conservation organisation, PVC is less sustainable and more hazardous than wood. In fact, they felt so strongly about it that they published The Window for Opportunity Report, that encourages people to choose Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. What’s more, over a decade later the Wood Window Alliance (WWA) drafted a report outlining the benefits of wood over plastic. Pointing out a number of dangers of uPVC windows, outlined below.

PVC is a major user of fossil fuels – a non-recyclable resource.

It’s also a Class one human carcinogen, making it toxic to humans.

When burnt, PVC lets off dioxins and hydrogen chloride, which can cause respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma.

PVC is made from Vinyl Chloride Monomer, which is made from chlorine – the production of which is energy and emissions intensive.

Recycling rates for PVCu are low, and when PVCu products are recycled, they can create further toxic chemicals.

2. Sustainably-sourced timber windows don’t use chemical-laden preservatives

Sustainable timber windows are renewable and stand the test of time. What’s more, wooden windows often use the latest environmentally friendly coatings and preservatives that don’t contain nasty chemicals.

3. Timber windows are biodegradableTimber windows last for many years, but when they do come to the end of their life, they can be burned for energy. The fact that timber framed windows made from trees like Accoya and Sapele are biodegradable is a huge plus point for people looking to use sustainable options throughout their home.

   4. They’re a low carbon product type

Timber framed windows are a low carbon product type which contributes to a low carbon economy and climate stability by carbon storage and carbon uptake provided by forests. In order to reduce our carbon footprint, using products that use a low-carb economy and rethinking product processes and design, has a huge impact on the environment. Each of us can play a part in this by only using suppliers who use sustainable materials in their products – whether that’s timber framed windows or the food products we buy.

5. Sustainable wood is traceable and accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)Windows made with wood from sustainable sources should be supported by an FSC or Chain of Custody certificate to ensure the wood has come from a well managed forest. The FSC is an international not-for-profit organisation established in 1993 that promotes responsible management of the World’s forests.

Overall, sustainably made timber framed windows have a much smaller environmental impact than PVC. They are kinder to the planet and its inhabitants, look fantastic and are cost-effective. What’s not to love?

If you’re ready to replace your PVC windows with timber framed windows, Call now on 01905 841199 or request a quote. We use a wide range of sustainable timber for our windows and other wooden products, from Accoya and Sapele to many more.