MAJOR PROJECTS layer of wood used to form the timber is weak and of variable quality , but when they are pinned into precise layers , the panels can be engineered to be stronger than concrete and fireresistant . Furthermore , according to the US Department of Agriculture ( USDA ), in terms of cutting emissions a four-storey building constructed from mass timber would have the same effect as taking 500 cars off the road .
Vertical gardens
‘ As research and innovation into sustainable building continues , the loss of green spaces for construction purposes could be reconciled with a greener future that sees wood , plants and biodiversity playing an important role in urban development ’
2 . Green walls and roofs While wooden buildings could alleviate the dangers of urbanisation continuing to pollute the planet , the question still remains to be seen about what can be done about the existing urban areas already made of asphalt , granite and concrete ? The International Union of Architects has revealed that one of their aims is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the built environment by 2050 . And one of the most visual ways that we could start to see green changes being made is via the introduction of green walls and roofs . These are walls or roofs that are either partially or completely covered in living vegetation . Recent research has shown that not only do they look nice , reduce pollutants and
16 Month 2014