The environment
We can contribute to a better environment ...
One of Newbeam’s goals is to contribute to a better environment. We must use our natural resources effectively, to minimise the energy consumption in the production, to make transport more effective, to reduce the energy consumption in load-bearing designs and to make it possible to recycle products. In this context, Newbeam has the possibility of offering a resource-effective and environmentally favourable concept.
... through the better use of a renewable resource
By using aspen, which is the most suitable species for the product, the utilization of the forest’s resources is improved. Aspen is a species which is readily available and which is seen by many actors as a “junk wood”. A balanced felling of the forest species is good for the biological multiplicity. Compared with sawn timber, the wood raw material is utilised four times more effectively in Newbeam’s beams and studs. Expressed more simply, the amount of wood used to build a house with Newbeam’s beams and studs is reduced to one quarter. There are two reasons for this:
- By chipping the whole log, 99% of the mass of the tree trunk is used. In the sawing of wooden studs, the corresponding figure is about 55 %.
- Newbeam’s profile shape reduces the wood content to a half for the same length and strength as a sawn wood stud.
The result of utilising a little used wood species such as aspen and of using a technology which minimises the demand for wood material contributes to a forestry which is resource-saving for the environment.
... through energy-efficient production and transport
The production is not marred by any hazardous discharges or work environment problems. The phenolic resin glues used in the products are lignin-modified glues so that the level of emission of formaldehyde or other chemicals is zero.
Since the wood raw material in the OSB-manufacture is cut into chips, the wood can be dried more efficiently than solid wood planks. The air flows more effectively through the fluffy chip material and is led closer to the wood fibres. The energy consumption in OSB-drying is one quarter of that of the sawmill industry.
In total, Newbeam’s production process consumes 30% less energy than a sawmill needs to produce the corresponding amount of load-bearing components with the same strength.
The logistics can take place efficiently, since the products weigh little and have a small cross section. Expressed simply, Newbeam can offer a greater length of studs and beams per haulage vehicle.
... through a good work environment
A major cause of industrial injuries are heavy lifts, which lead to sprains and repetitive strain injuries which, in unfortunate cases, can mean that the victim’s continued normal life is inhibited. Newbeam’s beams and studs are lighter in weight than other structural products with the same strength. With Newbeam’s components, the unpacking of packages, the lifting of components and the assembly task do not overload the body.
... through a more rational use of energy
Newbeam’s building system has good insulating properties and does not conduct heat to the same extent as massive wood, steel and concrete. Good insulating properties reduce the buildings’ consumption of energy and are necessary to meet the latest requirements with regard to the energy declaration of buildings. This means that Newbeam can make an important contribution towards reducing the energy consumption in buildings and, in addition, the house-owners will be pleased with the financial benefits they receive.
... through energy declarations and recycling
Since Newbeam’s building systems are assembled with screws, all the building systems can always be dismantled as easily as they are assembled. In the future, this can mean that buildings, interior fittings and installations can be re-used when a building is demolished or when an interior arrangement is dismantled.