As an increasing number of Australians continue to become more conscious about the need to protect the environment that they live in, the demand for sustainable construction materials is growing by the day. Timber is considered to be a sustainable material because its supply can be replenished naturally and it can be salvaged and used again.

Timber salvaging is a practice that is quickly gaining acceptance in the Australian construction industry, thanks to the many crucial environmental benefits that it can provide. Keep reading to find out what those benefits are.

Decline in the amount of solid waste deposited at landfills

Every day, large quantities of solid waste is generated from construction and demolition projects performed in various parts of Australia. If this waste cannot be reused or recycled, it will have to be sent to the landfill. Timber salvaging presents an opportunity to put old timber that is still structurally sound to good use, instead of disposing of it at the landfill. This helps reduce the volume of solid waste that is destined for the landfills, thus reducing pressure on the available land.

Preservation of existing tree plantations

Trees play an integral part in ensuring human survival by cleaning the air and replenishing oxygen supply. By salvaging and reusing construction timber, the demand for timber products manufactured from new timber is pushed down. This helps preserve existing forest plantations, so that they can be used in the future.

Energy savings

Manufacturing of new timber products requires a significant amount of energy. The machinery used to cut down trees in forest plantations require fuel to operate. Timber processing at the timber mill also demands energy, resulting further energy consumption. By cutting the demand for new timber, timber salvaging helps reduce energy consumption. This is good for the environment.

Reduced carbon emissions

Production of new timber products not only uses up large quantities of energy but also results in an increase in the release of harmful carbon gases into the environment. This escalates climatic problems such as global warming. Timber salvaging contributes to a reduction in the total volume of harmful carbon emissions caused by timber manufacturing.

Now that you know about the environmental benefits of timber salvaging, you should seriously consider building with salvaged timber. You will be able to increase the energy rating of your building, but also feel good about playing a part in protection of the environment.