:: Specific Design Brief

CAT 5: Using Timber Sustainably - further information

PRODUCT DESIGN UK - ISSUES & RESOURCES

Issues
� The extraction of tropical hardwoods is frequently extremely damaging to the environment. To fell one mahogany tree loggers fell a considerable area of other timber which is left to rot. Deforestation is adding to problems of Climate Change as forested areas are �carbon sinks�, which have absorbed carbon dioxide. In many cases when trees are felled they are not replaced.
� Importing timber produces carbon dioxide through the energy used in transport.
� Composite boards make use of small sections of timber but often contain damaging substances in their adhesives.
� When trees are felled and replaced by young trees the carbon cycle can continue.
� Using a certain amount of timber creates a market for it and therefore a value in maintaining woodland.
� A monoculture of conifer trees can be very damaging to the local environment. Planting mixed forestry of indigenous species creates habitats for wildlife and very pleasant woodland for leisure pursuits.

Sources of information:

www.trada.co.uk The Timber Research and Development Association

www.greenwoodtrust.org.uk

www.foe.org.uk friends of the Earth have produced The Good Wood Guide and Stop the Chop � new guide to buying wood without wrecking forests

The Whole House Book � CAT, info on timber and other materials


FURTHER INFORMATION
KEY QUESTIONS

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