Carbon net zero, sustainability, and environmentally friendly products and practices

The construction industry is in the spotlight when it comes to carbon net zero targets, sustainability, embodied carbon, and environmentally friendly products, materials and practices.

A construction project generates a carbon footprint from the manufacture of materials and products and their transportation to site, the build itself, the operation of the building during its lifecycle and its eventual demolition, recycling and transport of waste. This cycle represents ‘embodied carbon’ which is increasingly the area of focus rather than just operational carbon, which is the building’s use of energy, lighting, heating and so on.

Why has there been this shift in focus? Primarily because of the carbon net zero targets outlined in the Paris Agreement which committed the signed-up countries to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to the UK Green Building Council, the built environment is responsible for 42% of UK carbon emissions when transport is included.

Knotwood’s commitment to net zero and sustainability

Knotwood aluminium, wood-effect cladding is a sustainable product that is stronger and lighter than wood, but still offers a beautiful, natural effect on building exteriors. Specifiers, property developers and architects love the versatility of Knotwood, its fire safety compliance and its durability, amongst other credentials.

There are many ways in which Knotwood meets the carbon net zero and sustainability agenda.

Knotwood’s durability and performance results in a long lifecycle

Products with a long lifecycle produce a lower carbon footprint by minimising the processes of disposal and replacement.

Knotwood’s commitment to net zero and sustainability

Aluminium is robust and hard-wearing. It is weather resistant, non-warping, insect proof and requires minimal maintenance. These properties all contribute to Knotwood’s long design life which keeps embodied carbon emissions low. Knotwood aluminium wood-grain cladding has exemplary colour stability and scratch resistance properties that further enhance the lifespan and remove the need for replacement for many years.

Knotwood has passed accelerated wear tests certified by Interpon, the supplier of our powder coatings. These tests determine compliance of the base coat with environmental conditions in all locations where ultra durable weatherability is required, providing a 15 year warranty.

Knotwood is 100% recyclable

When the need does arise for Knotwood to be replaced, it can be fully recycled. Aluminium boasts one of the highest recycling rates of any metal. At the end of its long life, Knotwood cladding can be readily recycled.

VOC free (Volatile Organic Compounds) powder coatings

Knotwood is free of VOCs which are gases emitted into the air by certain products and processes. Some VOCs can react with other gases to create additional air pollutants that are harmful to the environment and contribute to embodied carbon levels. This is why VOCs are not used on Knotwood products.

Knotwood aluminium wood-effect cladding is a lightweight product

Transportation is the industry with the highest reliance on fossil fuels, so the weight and frequency of transportation has a significant impact on carbon emissions. Because Knotwood aluminium profiles are lightweight, we can batch our deliveries to a far greater extent than would be possible with timber cladding, resulting in fewer deliveries and lower carbon emissions.

Knotwood’s Australia warehouse now produces energy through solar panels

For 2023, Knotwood have installed over 300kW of solar power at our headquarters on Australia’s Gold Coast. Generating our own electricity through solar power allows for carbon offsetting and confirms our commitment to green energy.

The future for Knotwood’s carbon net zero commitment

Knotwood are working towards several environmental targets.

The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) – this is a document that quantifiably confirms the environmental impact of a product. It will therefore provide increased transparency about the environmental credentials of Knotwood.
Cradle to cradle products – the cradle to cradle concept is based on the design and production of products in such a way that they can be recycled at the end of their life, making them truly sustainable. Knotwood are working towards cradle to cradle certification.
Other environmental targets for Knotwood include the low carbon extrusion billet, finding more ways for reducing embodied carbon, and carbon offsetting wherever possible.