As trees grow, they capture carbon from the atmosphere. Once harvested, processed, and used in structures, this carbon remains stored over time. However, when structures are dismantled without reuse, this storage is interrupted.
Timber reuse is part of a virtuous approach: extending carbon sequestration, sometimes for several additional decades, and integrating existing materials into new life cycles. It is therefore a concrete lever for achieving carbon neutrality.
However, reusing timber requires a rigorous approach. Diagnosis, characterization, and understanding of material properties are essential steps. A reclaimed timber element may offer excellent performance, but it may also present hidden weaknesses not visible to the naked eye.
For over 40 years, SYLVATEST has supported this process. This non-destructive testing tool enables accurate analysis of structures, revealing their mechanical properties and guiding decision-making. When combined with expertise, reuse becomes a virtuous cycle: reduced use of new materials, lower embodied energy, maintained carbon storage, and durable structures.
This vision is not new. As early as Expo.02, nearly 50,000 m² of slabs were reused using O’Portune solutions, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to sustainable practices.
In this context, an event will be held on June 18 in Juillan, in partnership with Di2cb and Pyrénées Charpentes. The evening will focus on structural diagnostics, timber reuse, and low-carbon approaches, through shared experience and expertise.
Practical information:
•Date: June 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
•Location: Restaurant L’Aragon, Juillan
•Participation: free registration with cocktail (limited places, registration closes May 28)
