Parquet flooring is highly popular nowadays and has much demand in the market because of its unique appearance and its durability. But did you know wooden flooring is also the number 1 flooring solution when it comes to nature - & environment protection, especially when it comes to fighting Climate Change and reducing CO2 emissions?
Reduction of CO2 through carbon storage in wooden flooring
Trees inhale carbon and exhale oxygen. That's basically the opposite of what humans do. We breathe out what trees breathe in and vice versa. A growing tree captures carbon. And, when the tree is processed, this carbon remains stored into the wood products, reducing the CO2 present in the atmosphere.
Reduction of CO2 through carbon sinks in sustainably managed forests
The European Woodworking Industries have a strict ecological forestry policy which means that they replant the trees they take for their activity. The more trees they use, the more they plant, because almost all of the European wood that is used is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
'Harvesting' creates space for new growth - and this often happens at a rate of two trees planted for each one felled. Many more trees are grown than are currently harvested - since 1990, the European forest area has increased by 9% - so increasing demand has had a positive effect on the environment. The more Real Wood parquet is being used, the more new trees will be planted to take even more carbon out of the air.
Reduction of CO2 through substitution of less energy-efficient flooring solutions
The processing of wood and the production of solid wood flooring are highly energy-efficient, giving parquet an ultra low-carbon footprint. This opposed to other materials such as plastics, LVT, or bamboo (which is grass and not wood) which require large amounts of energy during production.
Wooden flooring itself works as an excellent insulator, as it has the cellular structure which allows to slow down heat conductivity. Keep in mind that wood flooring is not made of “dead trees” but remains a living product, which reacts to its environment. It doesn’t matter if the wood is oak, beech or ash. It doesn’t matter if the wood is nailed down, glued down, or floating. Regardless of the species and the installation method, all wood flooring absorbs or loses moisture as conditions change slowly or rapidly inside your home.
Wooden flooring itself works as an excellent insulator, as it has the cellular structure which allows to slow down heat conductivity. Keep in mind that wood flooring is not made of “dead trees” but remains a living product, which reacts to its environment. It doesn’t matter if the wood is oak, beech or ash. It doesn’t matter if the wood is nailed down, glued down, or floating. Regardless of the species and the installation method, all wood flooring absorbs or loses moisture as conditions change slowly or rapidly inside your home.
Eco-friendly heating
Wooden flooring will absorb the heating temperature. It will help to keep the warmth in the rooms and will reduce heating costs/needs.
Underfloor heating has become incredibly popular in recent years, providing a comfortable, cost effective and invisible form of heating. Provided that installation guidelines are carefully followed, wood floors and underfloor heating can work very successfully together. Once the system has been installed, the temperature shouldn't exceed 27°c in any area - between 20-22°c is ideal.
Make sure to discuss this with a professional before choosing any type of flooring.
Recyclability
Wood is completely recyclable. In fact, it can be used in three different stages. Firstly, it is used to create a product. Secondly, the product itself can be recycled, and thirdly, it can be used for energy generation. No other material can equal this, in terms of volume and economy.
Old parquet can also be re-used to create new wooden items all together. Many contemporary interior designers are using this unique material to clad feature walls. Or to refurnish cabinet doors in kitchens. Check out this page in Pinterest with 25+ ideas on how to re-use parquet flooring.
The environmental benefits of choosing real wood floors are indisputable. More CO2 is stored in parquet and far less energy is consumed in timber production, processing and disposal, than with any other construction material. And, after each wood harvest, the forests are replanted for the next generation, increasing the carbon sink and decreasing the CO2 in the atmosphere, contributing to mitigate Climate Change.
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