Wood is the only truly renewable building material and has been used as a basic building material for centuries. However, its importance in today’s world goes far beyond traditional uses in construction. Wood has been recognised as an exceptionally ecological material whose use in construction can bring benefits for sustainable development and decarbonisation. Why is wood such an ecological material and does it fit in with the objectives of the European Green Deal?
It is common knowledge that forests play a key role in mitigating climate change through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process in which plants, including trees, capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen, while storing carbon in the form of biomass. According to the State Forests, 1 ha of forest absorbs 3,600 kg of CO2 per year, filtering 16 million m3 of air.
The topic of the carbon footprint, i.e. the total sum of greenhouse gas emissions, often appears in discussions on climate change and human activity. It is assumed that the smaller the carbon footprint, the lower the environmental impact. According to the Ökobaudat database, 1 m3 of concrete results in 246 kg of CO2, and 1 m3 of construction timber results in -767 kg of CO2 during the growth phase. Interestingly, this negative result is mainly due to the fact that this raw material is renewable and absorbs carbon dioxide during its growth phase. It is therefore one of the most environmentally friendly materials, which is also used outside the construction sector.
The European Union’s goal of ecological transformation and ultimately achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is above all a challenge for various economic sectors. Research shows that wood as a building material sustainably reduces our ecological footprint. The use of wooden structures in lighting is also intended to support the decarbonisation process, which is why Elmarco has designed and launched a whole series of collections of garden and park lamps made of wood.
Larch and ash wood in the production of park and garden lamps
We use larch and ash wood for the park and garden lamps produced by ElmarCo. European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) is a local species of conifer belonging to the pine family, and ash (Fraxinus L.) is a genus of trees in the olive family. Both of these species are common in Central Europe.
Due to their many properties, they are perfect for outdoor use. And because of their local origin, they are considered a more suitable and ecological solution that supports the decarbonisation process.
The characteristics of larch and ash are:
- durability and resistance
- ease of processing
- beautiful, natural appearance
The durability of larch is impressive thanks to its natural weather resistance. This wood is characterised by its high resistance to moisture, pests and UV rays, which means that lamps made of it also retain their beauty for many years. Larch is relatively easy to work with. It can be sawn, sanded and glued, which facilitates carpentry and construction work. Its flexibility is also an additional advantage, which is of great importance in construction, e.g. for boats or other bent elements.
Similarly, ash wood is very strong and hard. These characteristics make it comparable to oak wood. Importantly, it is also a difficult wood to work with, which can cause processing difficulties. However, an important feature is its resilience, which means that it can be easily bent and processed immediately after felling the tree. Elmarco uses its experience and makes wooden structures for garden and park lamps based on ash wood, so that they last for a long time and decorate the space.
Larch and ash wood also have an attractive structure and colour. Larch has a warm, golden colour, while ash has a creamy white, white-red or yellowish colour. This diversity adds aesthetics to various products.
Wooden lanterns and garden lamps
Wooden lamps in the garden look extremely impressive and create a pleasant and unique atmosphere. Wood blends in perfectly with the surrounding vegetation and is also a great decorative element in both traditional and modern garden arrangements.
Some of the profiles of our lampposts are made of wood, which creates an interesting combination of natural materials and modern LED lighting technology. Moreover, this solution fits perfectly into urban spaces, e.g. those occupied by green infrastructure. This allows these spaces to improve the quality of life by moving away from typically concrete and grey spaces in favour of environmentally friendly solutions.
The range of wooden lamps has been expanded to include the well-known models Elew, Way, Urbin, Bokard, Bolard, Walia, Bretania, Kalux and Bolux with the addition of a D, which stands for a version with wooden elements. The Kania D series, on the other hand, is completely new and has an interesting frame shape resembling a mushroom cap. This form obviously refers to the forest and nature, and at the same time it illuminates the area very nicely.
Without a doubt, larch and ash wood lamps are trendy, environmentally friendly and practical. Like any wood, they can be easily impregnated, which further increases their resistance. With their natural golden colour, they will suit many spaces, but we also offer lamps in a slightly darker wood colour.
To make it easier for customers to find wooden lamps in our offer, we have created a leaflet containing the entire collection of available wooden lamps here. We cordially invite you to have a look!
