Energy Efficient

Embodied energy is an increasingly important issue in architecture. Embodied energy means ‘the amount of energy used to extract, process, transport, install, maintain and also dispose of a product’.

This embodied energy can be divided into ‘initial’ and ‘recurring’ elements. Material extraction, processing and installation belong to the initial category, whilst maintenance is the key recurring factor.

To build with low embodied energy involves both carefully considered project planningand a long-term strategy for the client’s ongoing relationship with the building. English Oak Buildings are committed to the use of sustainable design, products and materials to achieve this goal.

With a firm bias towards the use of high-value insulation, alternative heating and energy sources, and renewable or recyclable building materials, we have ever-increasing experience of making these interact with our green oak frames.

British Wood

English Oak Buildings is committed to only using British green oak from sustainable sources – contributing to the future of the country’s forestry industry, whilst also working to reduce unnecessary transportation costs of our core raw material.

English oak is one of the most environmentally friendly, natural and sustainable construction materials. It is also entirely free of harmful industrial processes, waste, or toxic treatments. In addition to this a huge amount of carbon dioxide is fixed by growing oak trees. Taking new raw material from sustainable, local resources means that we are actively reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Using British wood acknowledges the inherent value of our woodlands. Without such a commitment, the plain and simple fact is that we risk losing what remains of our forests.

• Using British timber reduces your building’s carbon footprint. Imported timbers will have travelled hundreds if not thousands of miles before they are ever worked. This vastly increases the amount of energy used in creating your building.
• British forestry is tightly controlled by the Forestry Commission.
• Much of the wood harvested in Britain is done so under the scrutiny of the Forest Stewardship Council. Businesses that use sustainably sourced wood bear FSC accreditation.
• English Oak Buildings is FSC certified. You can feel secure in the knowledge that your timber has had the minimum negative ecological or environmental impact.
• Every pound spent on British wood helps to ensure that our forests are well managed and continue to thrive.
• British forestry supports a web of rural trades and crafts.