A COMPANY in the field of interior and architectural building contractors from Indonesia, Contractor Art Space (CAS), emphasizes the importance of using sustainable materials, especially wood as a building construction material. This was conveyed by CAS Founder and CEO-Architect) Lutfi Primantara in a webinar held by the communications consulting company Ircomm Norton Capital (Ircomm) some time ago.
“This educational event is in line with our commitment to continue using sustainable materials, especially wood. This is our commitment to preserving the natural environment and its architectural identity,” said Lutfi in an official statement, Wednesday (30/10).
There are two reasons for using wood as raw material for buildings and houses that are more environmentally friendly. First, cement production uses non-renewable fossil fuels, contributing 8% of global emissions in 2018 out of a total of 11 billion tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. This amount is much higher than the production of aviation emissions which is only 2.4%.
Second, even though wood has been processed it still stores carbon as long as the wood is not destroyed. Wood fossils buried in the ground are said to still store carbon absorbed during their life cycle which will reduce exhaust gases into the atmosphere which adds to global warming.
Meanwhile, a professor who is also the Head of the Engineering and Design Division of Wooden Buildings, Department of Forest Products, IPB University, Lina Karlinasari, said that the wood used as construction component material must come from a type that is not protected by certain criteria, especially regarding its strength. As a biological material, wood’s ability to absorb carbon is a major advantage compared to other materials.
“The ability to absorb and store carbon in young trees, as the main source of wood, is higher than in very old trees,” explained Lina.
The use of wood in general gives a warm and aesthetic impression to building construction. However, he continued, what must be considered when using wood is that its properties are greatly influenced by changes in water content, fiber orientation and the presence of wood defects. For this reason, it is very necessary to carry out wood type selection and sorting activities referring to the needs as required by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for Design Specifications for Wooden Construction.
Apart from that, technology to improve the quality of wood, both chemically and physically, is an alternative for obtaining wood of the desired quality.
“With appropriate technology and design, wood can be a building material that is not only environmentally friendly but strong, durable and economical,” said Lina.
CEO of Ircomm Norton Capital, Isra Ruddin, added that educational activities specifically for architects in Indonesia are expected to have a positive impact on the related industry. (J-3)
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**Interview with Lutfi Primantara, CEO of Contractor Art Space (CAS)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Lutfi. In your recent webinar, you emphasized the importance of sustainable materials, particularly wood, in construction. Can you elaborate on why you believe wood is advantageous compared to other materials?
**Lutfi Primantara:** Thank you for having me. Absolutely. Wood is a renewable resource, unlike cement, which relies heavily on non-renewable fossil fuels and has a significant carbon footprint. In fact, cement production contributed to approximately 8% of global emissions in 2018. By using wood, we not only reduce emissions but also benefit from its ability to sequester carbon for as long as it remains intact.
**Interviewer:** That’s a great point. You mentioned two primary reasons for using wood. Can you provide more details on how wood contributes to environmental sustainability?
**Lutfi Primantara:** Certainly! The first reason is related to emissions. The high carbon footprint of cement production starkly contrasts wood, which minimizes our overall environmental impact. The second reason is that wood continues to act as a carbon sink even after it has been harvested and processed. As long as the timber is maintained properly, it retains carbon absorbed during its life cycle, thus helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
**Interviewer:** That’s very insightful. As a contractor, what challenges have you faced in promoting the use of sustainable materials like wood in your projects?
**Lutfi Primantara:** One major challenge is overcoming the misconception that sustainable materials are less durable or visually appealing compared to conventional materials. We’re committed to educating clients and the public about the benefits of wood, both aesthetically and in terms of sustainability. It’s crucial to demonstrate that sustainable materials can actually strengthen the architectural identity of a building while benefiting the environment.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of architectural identity, how do you see wood influencing the designs of future buildings?
**Lutfi Primantara:** Wood offers a unique warmth and character that can enhance architectural designs. It allows for creativity and innovation, leading to structures that not only stand out but also feel more connected to nature. As we move toward greener building practices, wood will be at the forefront of sustainable architecture.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Lutfi, for sharing these insights on sustainable construction and the pivotal role of wood. It’s clear that embracing these materials can lead to a healthier planet.
**Lutfi Primantara:** Thank you for providing a platform to discuss this important issue!
