Why More Schools Should Be Built With Wood

There are many compelling reasons why wood should be considered more often for school construction. Here are some of the key advantages:

Environmental Sustainability:

• Renewable Resource: Wood is a naturally renewable resource, unlike concrete and steel. This means that building schools with wood can help to reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources and minimize our environmental impact.




• Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, storing it within their cells. When wood is used in construction, the carbon is locked away for decades, helping to combat climate change.




• Reduced Embodied Energy: The production of wood generally requires less energy than the production of other building materials, such as concrete and steel. This means that wood-framed schools have a lower embodied energy, which is the total amount of energy used to extract, manufacture, transport, and install the building materials.

Health and Wellbeing:

• Improved Air Quality: Wood naturally absorbs and releases moisture, helping to regulate humidity levels and improve indoor air quality. This can be beneficial for students and staff with allergies or asthma.




• Reduced Stress: Studies have shown that exposure to natural materials, such as wood, can help to reduce stress levels and improve concentration. This can create a more positive and productive learning environment for students.




• Biophilic Design: Biophilic design is the concept of incorporating nature into the built environment. Wood is a natural material that can help to create a more biophilic space, which can have positive impacts on health and wellbeing.

Other Advantages:

• Faster Construction: Wood-framed buildings can often be constructed more quickly than traditional brick and mortar buildings. This can save time and money, and it can also mean that students can get into their new school sooner.




• Durability: Modern wood-based building materials are highly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of a busy school environment.




• Aesthetics: Wood can create a warm and inviting aesthetic that can be appealing to students, staff, and parents.

Of course, there are also some challenges to consider when building with wood, such as the potential for fire and insect damage. However, these challenges can be mitigated with proper design and construction techniques.

Overall, there are many good reasons why more schools should be built with wood. Wood is a sustainable, healthy, and versatile building material that can create positive learning environments for students.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• The Benefits of Wood in School Construction and Design: https://thermory.com/blog-and-news/the-benefits-of-wood-in-school-construction-and-design/




• Why more schools should be built with wood: https://www.reminetwork.com/articles/why-more-schools-should-be-built-with-wood/




• Wood In Schools – The Positive Impact of Carpenter Oak: https://www.carpenteroak.com/wood-in-schools-a-positive-impact-and-some-carpenter-oak-projects/