Homebuilders around the country are concerned about sustainability. They want to preserve the planet’s natural beauty for their children and their children’s children. They recognize the impacts that large-scale construction projects can have on local and global communities.
Responsible builders are constantly evaluating their building practices, seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact and ensure that the resources needed remain available in the future.
Trim is one product that builders might not think about when evaluating their environmental footprint, but exterior millwork can make a big difference. To maximize the sustainability of the trim you use in your projects, it’s important to understand the problems with pressure-treated trim and why there’s no substitute for preservative-treated, primed whitewood trim millwork.
Sustainable trims are a key part of the construction industry’s move toward environmentally responsible building. As awareness of construction’s environmental impact grows, professionals are increasingly choosing trims made from renewable resources to lower carbon footprints.
In the building sector, the use of sustainable trims is becoming a hallmark of forward-thinking, environmentally conscious brands. These trims not only help reduce the environmental impact of construction but also support the industry’s commitment to environmental integrity. Builders can ensure their projects are as sustainably executed as possible, meeting today’s eco-conscious clients’ needs while protecting the planet for future generations.
Environmental Impact: Alternatives Aren’t Sustainable Over the Long Term
There are a number of alternative materials used to manufacture trim, but for various reasons, these aren’t as sustainable as treated softwood trim. We’ll look at a few of these competing products to see how they stack up.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular trim material due to its durability and low maintenance, but it is made from PVC, a fossil fuel-derived plastic. Its production releases toxic chemicals into the environment, such as dioxin and ethylene dichloride. Additionally, traditional plastic-based trims contribute to plastic waste and environmental pollution because they are not biodegradable and often end up in landfills.
Vinyl also uses petroleum as a base ingredient, a limited resource already needed for fuel and fertilizer. Over the long term, as petroleum supplies diminish, vinyl will become too expensive and too taxing on our natural resources to be viable. While PVC has a number of uses in construction, it’s best to use it where it’s most effective. Seeking a sustainable alternative to plastic-based trims is important for reducing environmental impact.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement trim is another alternative, made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. While it is resistant to rot and insects, its production is energy-intensive and generates significant CO2 emissions. Furthermore, trims made from mixed or incompatible materials, such as fiber cement, can complicate recycling processes and contribute to landfills.
Fiber cement trim is more sustainable than vinyl. It isn’t toxic, and it uses recycled construction materials for the fiber portion of its formulation. Optimizing the manufacturing process to incorporate more recycled materials can help divert waste from landfills and reduce plastic pollution. But the cement portion is problematic.
Producing cement releases a large amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. For every metric ton of cement produced, a metric ton of CO2 is released, both from the fuel needed to heat the cement and as a byproduct of the involved chemical reactions. Long term, this makes fiber cement antithetical to truly sustainable buildings. Again, cement is critical for construction, but it’s best to use it where other materials aren’t available.
Hardwood
Wood, in general, is more sustainable than any man-made product, but some woods are better than others. Hardwood trims are sustainable as long as they’re managed properly. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, hardwoods are managed poorly, leading to lowered sustainability. They’re also less sustainable than softwoods simply because hardwood trees like oak take much longer to grow, and are thus harder to harvest in large quantities. To ensure truly sustainable trims, it is imperative to source wood from renewable resources and work with lumber suppliers who prioritize responsible forestry availability.
Cedar and Redwood
Both of these woods are fairly sustainable but cost significantly more than quality preservative-treated, primed whitewood trim, and therefore aren’t always a good choice when budget is a concern.
While cedar and redwood are known for their durability, considering different materials with similar durability can help achieve sustainability goals at a lower cost.
Treated Softwood Trim Is the Best Choice
Not only is softwood trim affordable and weather-resistant, but preservative-treated primed whitewood trim is the ideal option for any builder looking to improve their sustainability and carbon footprint. Treated softwood is one of several sustainable options available to builders seeking to minimize their environmental impact.
These softwood products can be replaced easily, as the trees are fast-growing. Particularly in Northwest North America, where much of this wood is produced, robust forestry management practices ensure that for every tree harvested, three more are planted.
Softwood trees, properly managed, are better than carbon neutral. They actually decrease net carbon over time. For example, Washington state enjoys a 35% reduction in its net carbon footprint due to its sustainable forestry practices.
These practices also help protect waterways from runoff, keeping them cool and clean and promoting a healthy ecosystem. In general, this trim, like the quality products produced by Belco Forest Products, is the best choice for every builder looking to add some “green” to their building practices. Choosing sustainable trims helps reduce the construction industry’s overall environmental footprint and supports a healthier world.
Future of Sustainable Exterior Millwork
The future of sustainable trims in construction is bright, thanks to ongoing innovation. As the industry continues to prioritize sustainability, we can expect to see a growing emphasis on incorporating sustainable materials into trim products. Dedicated manufacturers work tirelessly to create new production processes that further reduce the environmental impact of building materials, inspiring confidence in continuous improvement and a greener future.
Closed-loop production systems are also gaining traction, allowing for the continuous recycling and reuse of materials in trims and millwork. This reduces waste and ensures resources are used more efficiently throughout the manufacturing and construction lifecycles. As sustainable trims become more prevalent, their importance in achieving responsible and ethical production will only increase. By embracing these materials and methods, builders and brands can enhance their reputation, meet the growing demand for sustainable products, and meaningfully contribute to a healthier planet. The integration of sustainable trims is set to become an integral part of the industry’s commitment to sustainability, driving innovation and positive change for years to come.
