Cedar decking is derived from a renewable resource.
It grows from the earth, is harvested, manufactured and used for decades or even centuries. Then, when its useful life span is ended, it returns to the earth.
This natural life cycle explains why real cedar decking is the environmentally sound choice when compared with alternative materials like concrete, plastic or metal. Only wood comes from a renewable, biodegradable resource. Today's sustainable forestry practices ensure a perpetual abundance of high-quality wood from North America's forests. Aluminum and concrete come from materials extracted from the earth. Once removed, they can never be replaced. Plastics are derived from dwindling petroleum reserves.
Of each tree harvested, 95% goes into useful products. The remaining 5%, the branches, is left on the forest floor to biodegrade into rich compost for the next crop.
Concerned about tomorrow? Cedar's on your side.
Sustainability of Building Materials
| |
Wood |
Steel |
Concrete |
|
Total Energy Use
|
Lowest
|
140% more
|
70% more
|
|
Greenhouse Gases
|
Lowest
|
45% more
|
81% more
|
|
Air Pollution
|
Lowest
|
42% more
|
67% more
|
|
Water Pollution
|
Lowest
|
1900% more
|
90% more
|
|
Solid Waste
|
Lowest
|
36% more
|
96% more
|
|
Ecological Resource Use
|
Lowest
|
16% more
|
97% more
|
Source: The Athena Sustainable Materials Incentive
|
 |
