Eucalyptus for Sustainable Construction
Stakeholders in the construction industry — from engineers to architects to clients — are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact that a building will have. More people want sustainable and cost-effective options.
Sustainable materials can significantly cut down on the ecological impact and carbon footprint of new construction. This results in buildings that are much more appealing to environmentally-minded clients and construction firms.
Eucalyptus wood is rapidly becoming known as one of the most sustainable construction materials available. It can be invaluable for the construction of eco-friendly structures and is also aesthetically pleasing, a true win-win.
Why Eucalyptus is so Sustainable
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Eucalyptus — sometimes shortened to "lyptus" by woodworkers — is a family of more than 700 hardwood tree species native to Australia. These trees are extraordinarily fast-growing, with some achieving as much as 6 to 12 feet of new growth every year. As a result, new timber takes just a few years to mature and become ready for harvest.
Eucalyptus trees can grow up to 180 feet in height, making them some of the tallest in the world. Because they can be chopped off at the root and will grow back, the trees also don't need to be replanted after harvest.
By comparison, a stand of teak wood trees may take as many as 20 to 25 years to be ready for harvest. Most teak plantation owners only expect to see yields 40 to 80 years after plantation establishment. The trees also need to be replanted after harvest. Keep in mind that teak is one of the faster-growing hardwoods — others take even longer to mature.
While eucalyptus is native to Australia, the trees are also commonly cultivated in Brazil, Hawaii, California and other subtropical climates. In many of these locales, eucalyptus trees provide a valuable alternative to tropical woods, which are increasingly threatened by overharvesting and unsustainable agricultural practices.
Benefits of Eucalyptus for Construction
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In addition to its eco-friendliness, eucalyptus also has various characteristics that make it attractive to woodworkers and builders.
Eucalyptus can be used for many purposes in construction. Eucalyptus poles, for example, have a unique appearance. They have a highly consistent diameter, meaning they don't taper toward the top, unlike those made from other trees. This makes them excellent for a variety of applications, like shade structures or rustic-looking fences.
Eucalyptus wood also has properties that make it an excellent hardwood for buildings. The trees grow long and straight, giving the wood strength and stability beyond most other hardwoods. The durability of eucalyptus is said to be comparable with teak and 10-20% denser on average.
Because of these qualities, wood from eucalyptus trees is suitable for both indoor and outdoor construction and is commonly used for both structures and furniture. The wood's strength and stability leads engineers and builders to use eucalyptus timbers as structural supports in buildings.
The unique color of eucalyptus wood — ranging from dark red to pink depending on tree species — helps it stand out from other building materials. Plywood made from eucalyptus is also quite consistent in color, making it easy to match with solid planks from the wood. In other hardwoods, like mahogany, plywood can vary significantly in color — making it more difficult to tie in with timber.
Eucalyptus timber is often quite cost-effective, as well, compared to other hardwoods of similar strength, aesthetic appeal and durability.
Eucalyptus as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Other Hardwoods
Sustainability in construction is becoming an increasingly important issue for stakeholders of all kinds in the industry. For construction firms wanting a more sustainable alternative to other durable and strong hardwoods, eucalyptus is a valuable option.
About the Author: Emily is a green tech writer who covers topics in renewable energy and sustainable design. You can read more of her work on her blog, Conservation Folks.
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