At a time when steel and glass construction is increasingly the norm, wood might seem like an old-school building material to use. But if you think wood is going by the wayside, think again. Timber is coming back with a new look – and a new attitude (toward it) in today’s green revolution. That’s because some of the newest creators of green jobs are transforming timber into a material that’s sturdy, transparent like glass, and capable of storing and releasing heat.
This new version of timber can be used for constructing energy-efficient
houses. In addition, a version of this timber that is biodegradable could also
be used as a handy alternative to cement, plastic, and glass. In other words,
timber is proving that it indeed can be multifunctional.
So, how exactly did this new version of timber come about?
First, a team of experts removed a material called lignin from balsa wood;
lignin is a material that gives this type of wood its color and strength. Then,
they mixed water-repellant and non-biodegradable acrylic with polyethylene
glycol, a substance that releases energy when it’s cold outside. Finally, they
introduced this material into the balsa wood to restore the wood’s strength and
structure, as well as make the wood more energy efficient.
The result? An energy-efficient building material that
decreases our need for materials that are oil based – and the carbon dioxide emissions
that come with them. There are still questions about how this new version of
timber compared with glass, and how easy it would be to mass-produce this type
of material. However, over time, you may very well see this transparent
building material become the norm – and witness for yourself how it benefits the
planet. Knock on wood.
Green Jobs
How to Apply for a Green Job With the demand for green jobs skyrocketing so far in 2017, giving yourself a unique edge can be difficult—yet absolutely necessary—in order for you to become a proud worker for Mother Earth. Follow these steps to successfully claim your next environmentally friendly employment opportunity. 1. Resume: Make sure … Continue reading..
