Which is Better in Terms of Carbon Emissions “Wood or Steel?”

The world's growing population is matched by an increase in human needs. This results in more advanced technology, but an increase in carbon emissions as a side effect is inevitable and can harm the environment. The construction industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwidel3]. In 2010, approximately 19% of total global energy-related GHG emissions were related to the construction industry. GHG emissions are linked to the serious problem of climate change and its negative environmental impacts, such as extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall and drought.

Without realizing it, the use of materials from various types of resources contributes to the increase in GG emissions. For example, there are differences in emissions resulting from the use of wood and steel materials. In its use as a construction and manufacturing element for transportation facilities such as truck and trailer floors, the choice between these two options will certainly have a different impact. Based on a study conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2006) on several types of materials, the production or extraction process of wood as a source of raw materials for construction and manufacturing has the lowest total net carbon emission value of 33 kg C/metric ton. This is in contrast to steel and cement which have a total net carbon emission value of > 200 kg C/metric ton!'). This comparison may be due to the extraction of steel from mining activitiesthat require fossil fuels and limestone chemicals that can produce large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO)²

In several other studies such as the life cycle assessment of the use of wood and steel materials in the form of house construction shows that wood has another advantage because from upstream to downstream it can produce carbon emissions that are much smaller than steel. The carbon emission value in minus numbers (Figure 1) indicates the absorption of carbon emissions instead of the other way around. This is called negative carbon emission which indicates that there is a reduction in carbon emissions in the atmosphere through tree growth and extracted in the form of wood and then followed by replanting trees according to legal timber harvesting rules.

The related study example can also be used as a basis for selection in the use of wood for other manufacturing applications. In decking applications for trucks and trailers, the use of wood is very common, especially in its superiority in resisting the shifting of transported goods during the land distribution process. In addition, in terms of strength to weight ratio, wood is also superior because with a light weight it can withstand loads that exceed the weight of the material itself.

In terms of manufacturing and installation costs, wood and steel decks are competitive. Decks made of wood with a size of 1 x 6 (inch) have a lower cost of $3.19 compared to steel decks with a similar size of $3.5821. However, in larger sizes such as 3 x 6 (inch), wood decks are more expensive at $5.95 compared to steel decks of similar size at $5.64. In the installation process, wooden decks tend to be easy to work with, especially in terms of connection between its components. In addition, the process is easier and does not require special skills such as welding. Meanwhile, steel decks require the use of nails and bolts as well as welding which requires certain technical skills. However, steel decks in sheet form outperform in terms of material size availability.

The advantages of wood as a material for making truck decks not only include physical and mechanical performance but are also environmentally friendly. PT Buana Triarta as a trendsetter of trailer deck, truck deck, and truck floor products made from apitong wood always guarantees the quality of the wood used to produce good performance. Wood legality is also our main focus by implementing SVLK national standards and FSC international standards. This is our commitment to contribute to reducing the risk of GHG emissions and ensuring the sustainability of sustainable resources.

Reference:

[1] Bowyer J, Bratkovich S, Fernholz K, Howe J, Lindburg A. 2008. Portland Cement As A Construction Material How Does It Compare To Wood, Steel?. Minnesota (US):Dovetail Partners Inc.

[2] Hanscomb. 2013. Cost Comparative Study Wood Works. Rothesay (CA): HanscombLimited.

[3] Hegeir OA, Kvande T, Stamatopoulos H, Bohne RA. 2022. Comparative life cycle analysis of timber, steel and reinforced concrete portal frames: a theoretical study on a Norwegian industrial building. Buildings. 12(573): 1 -10.