More than two decades after the Kyoto Protocol set the framework to tackle climate change and global warming, the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015 saw 195 countries agreeing to adopt the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal.
The agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C and the agreement is due to enter into force in 2020.
Reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, coupled with the need to conserve energy, reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, lower vehicle emissions and implement 'green' power generation technologies has had an impact on almost every aspect of daily life, from the products we buy, the cars we drive and the buildings in which we live and work.
A key part of the eco-system that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is the action of plants, but the high levels of de-forestation in tropical rainforests over the past 25 years or so has not only diminished the ability to remove the gas via this method, but has also created additional issues, such as illegal logging.
Closer to home, energy efficiency, sustainable building solutions and advanced construction technologies have made a significant impact on building design both in residential and non-residential projects.
At Encasement, we're playing our part in sustainable building solutions by offering products manufactured using materials that are either recyclable, incorporate recycled materials or produced from sustainable and managed sources.
Key among these is our FSR® (Forest Stewardship Council) 'Chain of Custody' certification, which verifies that all our plywood product ranges are manufactured from sustainably sourced timber and are compliant with customers' sustainable procurement policies.
We also use aluminium and steel extensively in our column casing range, both of which are readily recyclable and already contain a proportion of recycled material.
Care for the environment, energy efficiency, recycling and sustainability are fundamental parts of everyday life and the widespread adoption of sustainable materials in building and construction is an important aspect of this process.
We will continue to develop and explore sustainable products and alternatives to ensure we can contribute to a sustainable future.