Scott’s comments are excellent. I would add that the rate at which a
tree sequesters carbon is also dependent on where the other trees are
. Nearly all species of trees slow their growth rate enormously once
the canopy closes as they compete with other trees for light and
nutrients. I’ve looked at tree rings on many species of both hardwoods
and softwoods, and the pattern is universal: fast growth (fat growth
rings) for the first 20-60 years, then only slow growth after that.
They store most of their carbon in youth.
Solution would be to selectively log when the canopy closes to open up
light gaps so the other trees can keep growing fast. Then cut those
when they slow down, and plant new trees in the gaps. Put it all in
structures that last 500 years.
On Jul 27, 2016, at 5:53 PM, scott@permaculture.org wrote:
In the case of fast maturing trees that are harvested at maturity would be excellent building materials. But trees that are still growing should be allowed to continue to sequester carbon.
-------Original Message-------
From: Scott Vlaun <scott@moosepondarts.com>
To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [permaculture] Earthships
Sent: Jul 27 '16 15:39
To Georg's point, sequestering carbon in well built structures made from wood harvested sustainably. Here in Maine there are short lived, fast growing species like balsam and poplar that make decent building materials and would otherwise die and quickly release carbon as they rot in the forest.
Scott Vlaun
Center for an Ecology-Based Economy 207 520 0575
On Jul 27, 2016, at 5:33 PM, Scott Vlaun <scott@moosepondarts.com> wrote
My mother in law lives in a 25 year old earthship in NM. I've spent a lot of time in it and it is pretty fantastic. Can and bottle walls eliminate a lot of carbon intensive concrete as do massive Adobe thermal mass walls. The sculptural aspects, especially tile mosaic make for a very Inspired living space. Embodied energy per sq. ft. on these structures is extremely low and even in northern NM she gets by on less than. Cord of wood per year, only needed when cold and cloudy. I'm extremely sensitive to tire outgassing and have never even gotten a whit. Labor intensive to be sure though!
To
Scott Vlaun
Center for an Ecology-Based Economy 207 520 0575
On Jul 27, 2016, at 5:07 PM, Georg Parlow <g.parlow@gmx.at> wrote:
Thanks Lawrence and Scott for this dialogue. Valuable.
However, one question, Scott:
**Whenever possible eliminate using forest products in construction. The wood is much better used as a carbon sink.
To my understanding wood IS a carbon sink - and if it sits in my house for 200+ years this is just as fine as sitting (and maybe falling over and rotting) in the forest. What is it I do not see?
Georg
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