Carbon in Wood: Explained

Wood stores carbon by locking in the carbon dioxide trees absorb during growth, making it a natural and effective carbon sink—especially when used in long-lasting products like buildings or furniture.
Here’s how it works and why it matters:
🌲 How Carbon Gets Stored in Wood
•     Photosynthesis: Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and convert it into carbon-based sugars, which become part of the tree’s structure—its wood, leaves, and roots.
•     Carbon Content: On average, dry wood is about 50% carbon by weight. For example, one cubic foot of Douglas fir-larch stores about 15 pounds of carbon, equivalent to 55 pounds of CO₂.
🪵 Carbon Storage in Wood Products
•     Harvested Wood Products (HWPs) like timber, plywood, and paper continue to store        carbon after the tree is cut down.
•     Longevity Matters: The longer a wood product lasts, the longer the carbon stays          locked away:
•     Sawnwood e.g., beams, structures ~100-year half-life
•     Wood-based panels (e.g., MDF, particleboard): ~50-year half-life
•     Paper and cardboard: ~2-year half-life
🔁 What Happens After Use
•     Recycling: Some wood products are reused or recycled, extending their carbon     storage life.
•     Disposal: Eventually, wood decomposes or is burned, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere. However, landfilling can slow this release significantly.
🌍 Climate Benefits
•     Dual Impact:
1.    Carbon Storage: Keeps CO₂ out of the atmosphere for years or decades.
2.    Substitution Effect: Replaces more carbon-intensive materials like steel or concrete, reducing emissions from manufacturing.
📊 Global Impact
•     Increasing demand for sustainable wood products can enhance this carbon sink     effect, making forests and wood use a key part of climate strategies.