Insights from verto360
The Future of Sustainable Construction
Andrew Lutowicz, President, Verto360
October 4, 2024
At Verto360, we believe the future of construction lies in innovation that embraces the best of nature and technology. And for us, one material stands out: timber. But we’re not talking about the timber of the past—modern, engineered timber is stronger, more sustainable, and more efficient than ever before.
Why Timber?
For decades, concrete and steel have dominated the construction industry. While effective, these materials come with a hefty environmental cost. Timber, on the other hand, is renewable, carbon-friendly, and stunningly versatile. And thanks to advancements in technology, engineered timber can now compete with—and often outperform—its traditional counterparts in strength and durability.
The Strength of Engineered Timber
One of the common misconceptions about timber is that it’s not as strong as steel or concrete. But that simply isn’t the case. Engineered timber, such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam, is manufactured to meet exacting standards, giving it incredible strength-to-weight ratios that rival steel. This means you can build tall, large-scale structures with timber, all while reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
In fact, a growing number of architects and builders are choosing engineered timber for projects like schools, office buildings, and even high-rises. These structures are not only environmentally conscious but also provide a warmth and natural beauty that concrete simply can’t match.
The Environmental Advantage
Timber is naturally carbon-sequestering, meaning it absorbs CO2 throughout its life cycle, even after it’s been harvested and used in construction. Every piece of timber used in construction represents CO2 that’s locked away, helping to mitigate the impact of climate change. In contrast, producing steel and concrete generates significant carbon emissions.
What’s more, timber construction generates far less waste than traditional building methods. Engineered timber is precisely cut and designed offsite, reducing waste and speeding up construction timelines. The efficiency of prefabrication means fewer workers are needed on site, lowering labor costs and minimizing the potential for errors.
Building Faster with Timber
One of the biggest benefits of timber construction is speed. Timber buildings can often be assembled in a fraction of the time compared to steel or concrete structures. This efficiency comes from prefabrication—timber components are cut to size in a controlled environment before being transported to the building site, where they’re quickly assembled. The result? Faster project timelines, lower costs, and less disruption.
For example, a recent project utilizing timber construction was completed in 30% less time than a comparable steel-frame structure. When time is money, timber delivers.
The Future is Timber
At Verto360, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this timber revolution. We believe that strong, sustainable, and efficient buildings are not only possible, but essential for the future of our planet. Timber allows us to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also forward-thinking—spaces that prioritize the environment without sacrificing quality or strength.
If you’re looking to build smarter, faster, and greener, we’d love to help. Let’s talk about how timber can shape your next project.
Contact us for a free consultation and let’s build the future—one timber beam at a time.
