As a company committed to resource- and eco-friendly practices, we believe it is important to be informed about the materials we use. Where does our timber come from? How sustainable is forestry in Germany? Which kinds of trees are most used and for what purposes?
That's why we visited the Wohllebens Forest Academy in the Eifel region with our entire team. It was an interesting experience that gave us valuable insights into forestry in Germany, the state of our forests and their important role in preventing climate change from a different perspective.
Here are some of the key insights we were able to take away:
Only 3% of Germany's forests are protected as near-natural “primeval forests”. These balanced ecosystems play a crucial role in the regional climate, cooling the surrounding area and influencing weather patterns.
Forestry in Germany relies primarily on monocultures of coniferous trees, particularly spruce, as it provides ideal conditions for timber. However, conifers are not well adapted to their environment, making them more vulnerable to environmental conditions and pests.
Across Germany, about half of the harvested wood is immediately thermally utilized, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere. The second largest share is used for construction, while a small remainder is used for paper production.
In light of these findings, we are responding as follows:
Wood is an excellent building material with undisputed advantages, thanks to its renewability and its role in the sustainable use of resources. However, we believe that conscious and careful use of wood is essential to protect forests and preserve natural habitats. For us, this means taking a circular approach to the use of wood, ensuring the sustainability of forestry and extending the lifespan of products within the circular economy. We want to prioritize the reuse and recycling of existing timber of the best possible quality over the extraction of new wood.
In addition, we are committed to ensure that renewable thermal energy and green electricity are used on a large scale in every new construction and renovation project. Let's use renewable energy sources that contribute to a greener future.
We encourage everyone to explore and deepen their understanding of sustainable forestry and its impact on our environment.
