I Toward the New "Generation of Wood"
1. Substitution
of Wood Products
In Japan, wood consumption per capita
dropped by 15% in the last 20 years. While wood consumption has been increasing
in countries of relatively high per capita GDP, it has been decreasing in Japan. In terms of domestic wood
products, the volume of consumption per capita in 2002 came down to the level
of approximately one-third of its peak volume in 1973.
The main cause of this decline
is substitution of wood and wood products with industrial materials including
steel and concrete under the strong economic growth. The limited availability
of domestic resources is another factor for the decline of consumption in
domestic wood.
2. Wood as Healthy and Environmentally Friendly Material
Currently, health problems are
becoming prevalent in the society, including increasing the number of people
who are suffering from mental/physical stress or "sick house" syndrome. Environmental
problems are also getting serious such as global warming caused by dependence
on fossil fuels, as well as hindrance to in the multifunctional roles of
forests caused by insufficient forest management with the decline of wood
products use.
Wood and wood products have
relaxing fragrance and warmth, while providing comfortable living conditions
through its humidity-control and anti-tick functions. Since wood and wood
products require substantially less energy for production than steel, wood and
wood products can be said as "environmentally friendly material." Further, wood
is also renewable. The promotion of domestic wood products use would enhance
forest production activities and thus contribute to forest management.
According to a survey conducted by the Cabinet Office, 74% and 63% of respondents
recognized that "wood feels cool in the summer and warm in the winter"
and "wood has relaxing effects", respectively. The rate of respondents
who recognized the appropriateness of wood and wood products use in medical
facilities, welfare facilities, and child toys in day care facilities,
rose by 10 % from the previous survey.
On the other hand consumers' awareness of safe products, has become notable,
including the stronger interest in indoor air quality with the "sick
house" syndrome.
3. New Uses of Wood and Wood Products
Recently, some housing makers supply houses with abundant solid lumber
or houses with long life span, taking advantage of the shift in consumers'
awareness. Some consumers prefer colors, grains and solidity of solid lumber
for the interior use in shops and restaurants.
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