Long-term storage 

Timber is a powerful ally in long-term carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage, acting as a carbon sink that locks away atmospheric CO₂ absorbed during a tree’s growth. Here's how it works and why it matters:

🌳 How Timber Stores CO₂

• Photosynthesis: Trees absorb CO₂ and convert it into organic carbon.

• Carbon in Wood: About 50% of dry wood mass is carbon. That means:

  • 1 cubic metre of timber can store roughly 1 tonne of CO₂ equivalent, depending on species and density.

• Longevity: As long as timber remains intact—especially in buildings—it keeps that carbon out of the atmosphere.

🏠 Timber in Construction = Carbon Bank

• A 100 m² wooden house can store around 4,000 kg of carbon.

• Engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam extend this storage over decades.

• Substitution effect: Timber replaces carbon-intensive materials like steel and concrete, further reducing emissions.

⏳ Limits and Risks

• Decay or combustion: If timber decomposes or burns, stored CO₂ is released back into the atmosphere.

• End-of-life management: Reuse, recycling, or biochar production can extend carbon storage or slow its release.

🌍 Climate Impact

• Timber harvesting creates a carbon pool in harvested wood products (HWPs), which includes furniture, paper, and construction materials.

• Sustainable forest management and cascading reuse strategies help maintain this pool and reduce net emissions.