Education

By Diego Angulo Jiménez

As we well know, planet Earth has undergone a series of changes in its “behavior” in recent decades; it is no secret that this coincides with the increase in the concentration of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in the atmosphere.

In part, these gases are what make our atmosphere habitable, because they capture a certain amount of heat (energy) that reaches us from the sun, and encapsulate it so that the temperature of the planet is pleasant and suitable for life. However, too many gases trap excessive heat, which is precisely what we are dealing with today and has led to global warming and its numerous consequences.

Of the various gases that create this greenhouse effect, the most representative and abundant is CO₂, or Carbon Dioxide, which is also important (in fair amounts) for life itself on the planet. Animals breathe oxygen and exhale CO₂, while plants take CO₂ and convert it into oxygen, creating a perfect balance in the ecosystem.

The problem began when humans discovered the fuel potential of oil, and began to release quantities of CO₂ that altered the balance. From then on, everything changed. The Industrial Revolution changed our modes of production, and without realizing it, gave rise to one of the biggest problems that humanity has faced, and which, in recent times, we have investigated to try to restore the balance of the Earth again.

As we well know, the construction industry is one of the major causes of this crisis, and as such, each and every one of us who belong to this sector must take responsibility, whether because we work in it, or simply because we consume from it; it doesn’t matter.

Although the idea of ​​cutting down trees and using wood as a building material may sound unsustainable at first, it may actually be the best option if we analyze it from all points of view and see the forest as a whole instead of focusing on the tree. This is why this network of professionals has emerged, to offer and explain an ecological alternative, with social benefits and that is economically viable, as a guide from the “Triple Bottom Line” approach.

Humanity needs to return to its origins, without forgetting the scientific and technological advances obtained throughout history. Today we have all the resources and knowledge to return to the only material that is renewable and carbon negative, and take advantage of the advances that engineering and architecture have given us to use wooden construction elements that are so resistant that they can replace concrete and steel, and at the same time so inspiring that they can improve the quality of life of the users of the buildings where it is used.

For this and many other reasons, let’s start building differently and thinking differently, let’s look at our forests again. Let’s think about wood again.