Wood vs. Man Made
Cedar vs. Competition
Benefits of Wood
Wood surpasses steel and concrete in the following categories:
- Energy use
- Resource use
- Pollution
- Environment impact
- Green Building
Energy Use
Wood products require much less energy to produce than concrete or steel. An independent comparison of the energy needed to obtain, manufacture, transport and install building materials for identical wood frame, steel frame and concrete houses proves wood's environmental superiority over alternative materials. The result is more fossil fuels saved with less air and water pollution.
- Although wood products make up 47% of all raw materials manufactured in the United States, its share of energy consumption during manufacturing is only 4%.
- Results show that the manufacture of wood materials use 53% less energy than steel and 120% less energy than concrete.
Resource Use
As the world's only renewable building material, wood can not only be recycled, but regenerated as well.
- North American Forests have grown 20% since 1970.
Pollution
Wood product manufacturing produces far fewer greenhouse gases.
Environmental Impact
Wood has the lowest impact on air and water quality. This is especially true when compared to the manufacture of recycled steel. Forest regeneration also creates more trees which benefit the environment while they grow, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Green Building
As the interest in "Green Building" grows, building rating systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) have emerged as one way to rate the environmental impact of construction. These rating systems are founded on the four guiding principles of green building:
- Reducing energy use
- Reducing resource use
- Minimizing pollution
- Reducing environmental impact
Peace of Mind
Real Cedar’s unique “grown in the wood” preservative oil means that no chemical treatment is needed. The arsenic and copper compounds used to preserve other wood decking products can pose a serious health threat. In every sense Cedar is one of the safest choices for any yardscape.
Durability
Real Cedar's durability is legendary. Its natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage make it the ideal choice for a surface that is exposed to sun, rain, heat and cold all year round.