Decisions today affect choices tomorrow.
EvolutionDECK supports sustainable development - in that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  EvolutionDECK™ structures are made from 100% recycled steel - the most recylced material in the world - more than all other materials combined.   Also, with no rerquired maintenance, galvanized steel has a zero-carbon footprint during its lifetime in use.  

 

Steel - the clearcut alternative.
Any wood-based deck needs chemicals applied to prevent decay.  While a pressure-treated deck structure may last 12-15 years, it takes from 25-80 years to recycle a suitable tree. This suggests we are depleting our forests.  Forests play a key role in moderating climate, regulating water systems, preventing erosion, alleviating air pollution and providing wildlife habitat.   Reducing the demand on our forests is one way to minimize these impacts.

                              
Maintaining a wood deck is a chemical process.

An averaged-sized wood deck can consume over 48 gallons of cleaner and oil-based stains and sealers over a 12-year lifetime.  The recommended oil-based products may contain chemicals and solvents that are toxic to humans.   By far, the most important environmental impact from these coatings is the release of volatile organic compounds during the drying process.

New solutions bring new problems.
The industry has properly done away with arsenic-containing wood preservatives, by introducing a new chemical preservative known as alkaline copper quat (ACQ). ACQ relies on copper to be effective, and this is where structural problems can occur if you're not careful. ACQ lumber has a very corrosive affect on most metal fasteners that are used to hold wood boards together. There have been reports of deck collapses due to premature fastener failures with serious injuries. There are also restrictions and cautions with the use of this material as it may come into contact with food.

   
Landfills and Incineration are not a solution. 
Pressure-treated wood is disposed of in landfills or burned for fuel, primarily in cogeneration plants.   In a landfill, treated lumber does not completely decay and places a huge burden on declining landfill space.  Unlined landfills may not adequately protect area groundwater from chemical contaminants in treated wood which may leach into our drinking water.   Incineration is not a solution, as burning pressure-treated wood releases chromium, heavy metals and CO2 through emissions into the environment.