The Lignor process harnesses the high levels of carbon sequestrated in young, vigorously growing eucalyptus and stores it in a long lasting timber product. Lignor also does this in an environmentally friendly way using biomass energy and non-toxic glues and preservatives.
Furthermore, the short rotation of blue gum eucalyptus plantations are more efficient at sequestrating carbon dioxide than longer rotation softwood plantations. Currently blue gum is converted to chips and then paper, which is inclined to decompose thereby sequestrating less carbon than Lignor’s products over the long term.
Nearly all building products, apart from timber, do not sequestrate carbon. Indeed, their very manufacture can be very energy intensive producing tonnes of carbon dioxide. For instance, ESL® offers the following benefits:
- The carbon released from the ESL® production is less than for kiln dried softwood1
- The carbon released during the ESL® production is several orders of magnitude less than steel, glass, and aluminium2
- The carbon stored in ESL® is greater than the other engineered wood products by up to 3 times3
By using engineered wood products such as ESL® wherever possible in house construction, an average of 25 tonnes of C02 emissions would be reportedly saved per house4. Such substitution would arguably increase the Green Star rating of the house.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration illustrates that buildings are responsible for almost half of all greenhouse gas emissions annually; globally, the percentage is even greater.
Whilst the science and intricacies of the Kyoto Protocol have yet to be proven and universally ratified, there can be little denying the more sustainable timber we use in construction and manufactured goods, the better it is for the world’s environment and its effect on predicted climate change. Lignor’s ESL® and ESB® improve the structural performance of manufactured timber products so they can challenge steel and other energy intensive manufactured products used in construction.
Once carbon trading in timber products, rather than trees, is fully recognised in Australia and overseas possibly after 2012, there could be an additional benefit for the Lignor project in the future.
1 URS report dated May 2007: "Emission benefits associated with Lignor Products"
2 URS report dated May 2007: "Emission benefits associated with Lignor Products"
3 URS report dated May 2007: "Emission benefits associated with Lignor Products"
4 URS report dated May 2007: "Emission benefits associated with Lignor Products"