The white timber of radiata pine has a multitude of uses and is highly sought after on the global market. As a result of decades of investment in forestry research, New Zealand's radiata pine forests produce timber of uniform colour and density. When you choose a New Zealand manufactured pine product made from timber sourced from one of our responsibly managed forests, you are making a responsible choice.
Wood is one of the most renewable and sustainable building materials. The cycle of planting and harvesting of plantation forests results in the removal and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps make timber an environmentally friendly choice for anyone concerned about their carbon footprint.
Niagara uses timber exclusively produced in New Zealand's radiata pine plantation forests and was among the first sawmills in New Zealand to be certified as a supplier of FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) timber products. The timber from these forests meets the standards set by FSC for environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable forest management.
This means Niagara supplies a product that carries the internationally prized FSC® certification. Visit www.fsc.org to see more about the advantages of renewable pine and the environmental impact of pine alternatives such as steel, concrete, aluminium and fibrocement.
Far less fossil fuel is used in solid wood extraction than steel, concrete or aluminium, so it is a highly cost-efficient renewable resource. And the good news doesn't stop there. It is well known that trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as they grow. This reduces the harmful CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming. Importantly, when the trees are harvested and processed the carbon is sequestered in the wood. This means the more Niagara timber you use the more you are helping to produce a healthier, more energy-efficient, carbon neutral living environment.
Research at Lincoln University revealed wood has a superior thermal mass. In fact, weight-for-weight solid timber has over 2.5 times the thermal mass of concrete. The thermal retention properties of solid timber walls play a significant role in regulating the interior comfort of your home.
Material
Rough sawn timber
Concrete
Steel
Aluminum
Carbon released (kg/t)
30
50
700
8700
Carbon released (kg/m³)
15
120
5320
22000
Carbon stored (kg/m³)
250
0
0
0
To estimate the contribution your choice of building materials makes to your house's carbon footprint visit: www.nzwood.co.nz/house-calculator
