Wood is a common structural material, used for building most homes and some commercial buildings in North America. This widespread use is due to wood's desirable performance properties, abundance and cost effectiveness, ease of use, and favorable environmental attributes. However, wood can be degraded by various wood-destroying organisms (WDO) such as termites and decay. Since structural systems are often hidden from view and difficult to reach once put into service; infection of these systems by WDO can result in catastrophic damage, expensive repair, and the on-going use of chemical and physical methods to mitigate the problem.

Borate industrially pre-treated wood has been used successfully for decades in various parts of the world to build structures that are protected against WDO. Its use has been borne from the realization that it is far more cost effective and environmentally responsible to build lasting protection into the very building components and systems that are susceptible to degradation than to provide remedial protection year after year. Borates have strong environmental and safety profiles, and their use can increase the durability and safety of buildings.

This paper discusses the use of borate treated wood structural systems for durable and sustainable building. Approaches in various parts of the world are examined and cost comparisons and life-cycle analyses of various construction materials are presented.

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Sustainable wood depends on boron