Why we use paulownia wood in our designs

20-11-2024

2. Sustainable Growth

Paulownia regenerates from its roots after harvesting, reducing the need for replanting.
It grows well in poor soil, requiring minimal fertilizers and water.

3. Lightweight but Strong

Since Paulownia wood is lightweight, it requires less energy for transportation, reducing emissions.
Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it an eco-friendly alternative to heavier woods.

4. Lower Processing Emissions

Paulownia dries quickly with less energy consumption compared to hardwoods like oak.
It requires fewer chemical treatments due to its natural resistance to rot and pests.

5. Comparison with Other Woods

Compared to traditional hardwoods (e.g., oak, mahogany), Paulownia has a much lower environmental impactdue to its rapid growth and reusability.
It is often considered a carbon-negative material when sustainably managed.

Paulownia

Paulownia wood is known for its low carbon footprint and sustainability due to its fast growth rate and ability to absorb large amounts of CO₂. Here are some key points about its environmental impact:

1. Carbon Sequestration

Paulownia trees grow very fast (up to 10-20 feet per year), absorbing 10 times more CO₂ than many other trees.
The tree continues to sequester carbon even after being harvested, as the stored carbon remains in the wood.

C02 footprint of Paulownia

Paulownia wood is recognized for its rapid growth and significant carbon sequestration capabilities. While specific data on the carbon footprint per kilogram of Paulownia wood is limited, we can provide an estimate based on available information.

Carbon Storage in Paulownia Wood:

Wood Density: Paulownia wood has a specific density of approximately 0.268 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).
lib.icimod.org
Carbon Content: Wood is generally composed of about 50% carbon by dry weight.
woodworks.org

Using these figures, we can calculate the carbon content in Paulownia wood:

Calculate Dry Weight:
- Density: 0.268 g/cm³ = 268 kg/m³
- Assuming the wood is at 0% moisture content (completely dry), the dry weight remains 268 kg/m³.
Determine Carbon Content:
- Carbon constitutes approximately 50% of the dry weight.
- Carbon per cubic meter = 268 kg/m³ * 0.50 = 134 kg of carbon per cubic meter.
Carbon per Kilogram of Wood:
- Since 1 cubic meter of Paulownia wood weighs 268 kg, the carbon content per kilogram is:
- 134 kg of carbon / 268 kg of wood ≈ 0.5 kg of carbon per kg of wood.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Equivalence:

When considering the CO₂ sequestration potential, it's essential to convert the stored carbon into its CO₂ equivalent:

Molecular Weights:
- Carbon (C): 12
- Oxygen (O): 16
- CO₂: 12 (C) + 16*2 (O) = 44
Conversion Factor:
- 1 kg of carbon is equivalent to 44/12 ≈ 3.67 kg of CO₂.
CO₂ Sequestration per Kilogram of Paulownia Wood:
- 0.5 kg of carbon * 3.67 ≈ 1.835 kg of CO₂.

Therefore, each kilogram of Paulownia wood can sequester approximately 1.835 kg of CO₂.

Embodied Carbon in Processing:

The carbon footprint of wood products also includes the emissions from harvesting, processing, and transportation. For softwood timber, the embodied carbon is approximately 0.263 kg CO₂e per kilogram.

istructe.orgGiven Paulownia's lightweight nature and minimal processing requirements, its embodied carbon is likely comparable or even lower.

Net Carbon Impact:

Considering both the carbon sequestration and the embodied carbon:

Sequestration: Approximately 1.835 kg CO₂ per kg of wood.
Embodied Emissions: Approximately 0.263 kg CO₂e per kg of wood.

Net Carbon Benefit:

1.835 kg CO₂ (sequestered) - 0.263 kg CO₂e (emitted) ≈ 1.572 kg CO₂ net sequestered per kg of Paulownia wood.

This analysis suggests that Paulownia wood offers a substantial net carbon benefit, making it an environmentally friendly material choice.