Just Roof Lanterns
Journal

The Sustainability of Roof Lantern Materials

Darren Collins

When choosing materials for roof lanterns, two options stand out: timber and aluminium. Both materials offer unique benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, and performance, but how do they measure up when it comes to environmental impact and sustainability? At Just Roof Lanterns, we are committed to using the highest quality materials while being mindful of their environmental footprint. Here's a closer look at the suitability of these materials and their impact on our planet.

Hardwood Timber: A Renewable Resource

Our timber roof lanterns are crafted from Sapele, a premium hardwood known for its strength, durability, and attractive grain. Beyond its aesthetic and functional qualities, Sapele—when responsibly sourced—is a highly sustainable material.

Key Points on Sustainability:

  • Long Lifespan: Sapele hardwood timber is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and decay,. This long service life reduces the need for replacements, which contributes to a lower overall environmental impact.

  • Renewable Resource: Sapele is sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by bodies such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These certifications ensure that timber is harvested in a way that promotes forest regeneration and biodiversity.

  • Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, and this carbon remains stored in the timber even after it has been processed into products like roof lanterns. Sapele trees, which can reach heights of 100 to 150 feet and diameters of 4 to 6 feet, have significant carbon storage potential. Approximately 50% of a tree's dry weight is stored carbon.

  • Biodegradability: At the end of its lifecycle, timber is biodegradable, breaking down naturally without releasing harmful toxins into the environment.

Environmental Considerations:

While Sapele is sustainable when harvested responsibly, illegal logging and deforestation can harm ecosystems. However, we choose Sapele over more economical softwood alternatives due to its exceptional durability, superior aesthetic qualities, and long lifespan, which often make it a more sustainable choice in the long term. It’s important to note that Sapele is listed among the less sustainable woods if not carefully sourced, due to concerns over overexploitation and biodiversity loss in its native forests. That’s why we only source our timber from certified suppliers who adhere to stringent environmental standards.

Aluminium: A Lightweight and Recyclable Option

Aluminium is the material of choice for our aluminium roof lanterns, prized for its lightweight, strength, and sleek appearance. It is also one of the most recyclable materials available, making it a sustainable option for modern construction.

Key Points on Sustainability:

  • Infinitely Recyclable: Aluminium can be recycled repeatedly without losing its properties. Recycling aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy required for primary aluminium production.

  • Long Lifespan: Aluminium roof lanterns are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, meaning they have a long service life. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, lowering the overall environmental footprint.

  • Energy Efficiency: The primary energy consumption for global primary aluminium production is 186 gigajoules per tonne, whereas recycled aluminium requires only 8.3 gigajoules per tonne. Recycling also results in significant greenhouse gas emissions savings, with reductions of around 96.6% globally.

  • Lightweight Construction: The lightweight nature of aluminium reduces transportation emissions during shipping compared to heavier materials.

Environmental Considerations:

The initial extraction and processing of aluminium can be energy-intensive, often relying on mining practices that disrupt natural habitats. However, increased reliance on recycled aluminium in manufacturing is mitigating these impacts.

Comparing the Environmental Impacts

Material Pros Cons
Sapele Timber

Renewable, stores carbon, biodegradable

Requires responsible sourcing to avoid deforestation

Aluminium

Infinitely recyclable, durable, lightweight

Energy-intensive to extract and produce

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Just Roof Lanterns, we take our environmental responsibility seriously. Whether you choose a timber or aluminium roof lantern, you can trust that we have taken steps to ensure the materials are sourced and processed sustainably:

  • Timber: Our Sapele hardwood is FSC-certified, guaranteeing sustainable forestry practices.

  • Aluminium: We prioritize the use of recycled aluminium in our products to reduce energy consumption and waste.

  • Energy Efficiency: Both materials contribute to improved thermal efficiency in our roof lantern designs, reducing energy consumption in your home.

Making the Green Choice

When selecting a roof lantern, consider not only the material's aesthetic and practical qualities but also its environmental impact. Both hardwood timber and aluminium have roles to play in sustainable construction, and at Just Roof Lanterns, we are proud to offer options that balance beauty, performance, and responsibility to the planet.

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