Wooden architecture against climate change

Construction with this material reduces the carbon dioxide in atmosphere because wood is able to store CO2.

Sustainable architecture seeks construction, urban planning and habitability responses starting with a way of living, and creating, that respects the environment. It is a philosophical attitude that nevertheless requires real resources such as environmentally-friendly techniques, clean technology and ecological construction materials.

In this regard wood is the perfect ally of committed architects. Accompanying human beings since time immemorial, its natural beauty complements its properties as an ecological, recyclable and sustainable material.

Wood stores CO2 that is not released into the atmosphere

CO2 or carbon dioxide is a natural gas present on the planet and necessary for most living beings. Nevertheless, its extraordinary growth due to the use of fossil fuels is responsible for global warming and the greenhouse effect. What happens is that large amounts of CO2 displace the oxygen.

Wood, and the products manufactured with this material, protect our atmosphere as they are able to lock the CO2 inside, “imprisoning” the gas and, therefore, not releasing into the air.

Experts assure that building a house with wood as the basic building material prevents the emission of up to 60 tonnes of CO2 for every 100 m2.

A natural material that protects the environment from its production

At the same time, the process necessary to produce wood as a building material needs a minimal amount of energy, as wood is a natural material. Manufacturing cement, steel or aluminium, for example, entails a huge energy cost, far from the energy recommendations that protect the planet and promote sustainability.

Finally, wood is an ecological building material that acts as natural thermal and acoustic insulation, so many buildings made using wood products do not require investment, or the use of non-sustainable materials, to achieve this comfort.

Certified sustainable wood

This drive for respect for the environment must have rigorous certification. Wood products that ensure the sustainability, survival and repopulation of forests and their care in the most honest and fair way possible are essential to be sure that the wood products used protect the planet.

In this regard, at GRUPO GÁMIZ we have the most important sustainable certifications, such as PEFC, FSC and EPD.

The CE marking, wood as the structural alternative to other non-sustainable materials

At GRUPO GÁMIZ we manufacture VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use. This certification makes it possible to use our glulam beams to design sustainable structures with the beauty of oak.

For example, many architects are currently opting for wooden curtain walling. With VIGAM the beautiful, ecological lightweight façade is a reality present in projects that seek the elegance and personality of wood.

Without doubt, wood is the sustainable material par excellence, and an essential resource for sustainable architects, who already have access to structural, sustainable and beautiful alternatives, beyond concrete, steel and aluminium.