Sustainability: Where Does Our Timber Come From?

Sustainable timber is a big topic right now, especially in an age when the issues of global warming have been more prevalent than ever before. We are all very aware of how much our planet is under threat by severe climate change. Weather patterns and ecosystems are changing more rapidly than ever and people are struggling to adapt fast enough. But there is still time to fix the damage we have already done. We have the knowledge and the technology available that could help reduce the impact on our climate but we all need to pull together and work as a team. Just one person making a change isn’t going to have much of an impact.

Timber We Offer at Sash Windows London Ltd

That’s why, here at Sash Windows London Ltd, we are doing our bit to help the environment and we are passionate about sourcing our products from environmentally friendly companies. Therefore, all the timber that we source is sustainable and our timber products achieve the highest certification with The Forest Stewardship Council ‘z’ (FSC). The FSC runs a global forest certification system which helps to ensure that our forests are well cared for and used in a manner that is sustainable and non-threatening to the environment. As an organisation, they ensure that their consumers can identify and purchase timber from well-managed forests to promote socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

The basics behind sustainable tree harvesting are simple; for every tree cut down, a new tree is planted. Working in this way, new trees are constantly planted and growing meaning that the same area of forest can be felled and re-planted every couple of years. If timber does not rot or burn, it retains its carbon. When trees are harvested, their carbon is stored in the timber. Incredibly, trees absorb carbon at a very rapid rate as they grow and as they age they absorb less. Consequently, sustainably managed forests, where trees are harvested and then replaced, are potentially even more effective as carbon stores than undisturbed forests.

Why Timber?

Timber is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available and it is also aesthetically pleasing, naturally renewable, versatile, light, strong and beautiful to live in. Timber uses the lowest amount of energy in its processing, production and transport out of any mainstream building material. Furthermore, it uses far less energy than steel, concrete or aluminium. This is because timber requires such minimal processing in comparison to other materials. Processing timber also emits less sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter and VOCs than competing materials.

Timber is a highly durable and reliable material which is why we have been using it for so many years. Timber structures, such as sash window frames, last for centuries. It is also easy and cheap to maintain compared to other materials, especially if you don’t mind it changing colour over time. Timber has an extremely long life-span which can be expanded through re-use and recycling. At Sash Windows, we work to ensure that we are sourcing our products sustainably and that we are also recycling our products to extend their life-span. Therefore, at the end of the life cycle of each window, the frame, timber, glass, aluminium and fittings are all recycled.

Final Words

At Sash Windows London, we know that if you are replacing your windows, you will want windows that not only look aesthetically stunning but that stand the test of time. That’s why our timber sash windows come in a choice of engineered hardwood or redwood, to ensure strength and durability. Our windows also come with a 30-year warranty that prevents timber rot and decay. To make sure that your windows are going to last for the next few decades, our products come factory sprayed with micro-porous paint; because of this we can offer a 10-year guarantee on the paint finish. Here at Sash Windows we think that purchasing your timber from sustainable sources is a great way of showcasing your companies care for the environment and we hope to pave the way for other companies considering sustainable product sourcing. As a company, we work hard to reduce our energy consumption as well as our impact on the environment. Will you join us?