Carbon Impact Calculator
Every board foot of reclaimed lumber has a measurable positive impact on the environment. Use our calculator to see exactly how your project helps the planet.
Request a Quote
Carbon Impact Calculator
See exactly how much your reclaimed lumber project helps the planet. Enter the board feet you need to calculate your environmental savings.
The Science Behind the Numbers
CO₂ Savings
Our CO₂ calculation accounts for three factors: the carbon that remains stored in reused wood (rather than being released through decomposition), the avoided emissions from not harvesting and processing virgin timber, and the prevented methane from keeping wood out of landfills.
On average, each board foot of reclaimed lumber saves approximately 1.5 pounds of CO₂ equivalent. This figure is based on EPA lifecycle assessment data and forestry industry averages.
Water Savings
Virgin lumber production is water-intensive, from forest irrigation management to mill processing. Reclaimed lumber processing uses a fraction of that water — primarily for kiln-drying and dust suppression.
Each board foot of reclaimed wood saves an estimated 5.4 gallons of water compared to harvesting and milling equivalent virgin timber.
Trees Preserved
A typical mature softwood tree yields approximately 200 board feet of usable lumber. Every 200 board feet of reclaimed lumber you use represents one tree that can continue growing, sequestering carbon, and supporting its ecosystem.
Over its lifetime, a single mature tree absorbs roughly 48 pounds of CO₂ per year and produces enough oxygen for two people.
Landfill Diversion
Wood in landfills doesn't just take up space — it decomposes anaerobically, producing methane, a greenhouse gas 80× more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period.
Each board foot of reclaimed lumber keeps approximately 3.5 pounds of material out of the waste stream, preventing both landfill consumption and methane production.
Real-World Impact Examples
Accent Wall
50 BF reclaimed lumber
Home Flooring (1,000 sq ft)
1,200 BF reclaimed lumber
Commercial Renovation
10,000 BF reclaimed lumber
Ready to Make an Impact?
Browse our reclaimed lumber products and start building sustainably today.