A newly released white paper authored by Emi LaFountain (Turner Construction Company), Jacob Dunn (ZGF), Josh Cabot (SERA Architects), and Chris Hardy (Sasaki) is shedding light on practical strategies to reduce the use of tropical hardwoods in construction. The report emphasizes that protecting forests and biodiversity does not require sacrificing performance or design quality.
Tropical hardwood species such as Ipe, Teak, and Cumaru are prized for their durability and aesthetics, but their extraction is strongly linked to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and significant carbon emissions. With tropical forests storing vast amounts of carbon and supporting half of the world’s terrestrial species, increasing demand from markets like North America continues to place immense strain on these ecosystems.
The paper highlights key risks in current practices, including illegal logging, corruption, unreliable certification, long transport distances, and unpredictable costs. However, it also points to success stories such as community forestry models in Guatemala’s Biosphere Reserve, which demonstrate how responsible management can protect ecosystems while supporting local economies.
To address the challenges, the authors propose a range of sustainable alternatives that match or exceed the performance of tropical hardwoods. Options include:
- Durable domestic species like Black Locust and Alaskan Yellow Cedar.
- Modified woods such as thermally treated or acetylated pine.
- Certified products under FSC or PEFC standards.
- Plastic composites and advanced surface coatings.
The report also stresses that thoughtful design, detailing, and proper maintenance can extend wood lifespans as effectively as material substitution.
By raising awareness, promoting alternatives, and applying supply chain due diligence, the white paper calls on the construction industry to reduce reliance on tropical hardwoods while continuing to meet high standards of design and performance.
