Page 63 - Green Builder Magazine May-June 2021

select marine lumbers are certified to have
been harvested from forests that are managed
responsibly according to environmental, social
and economic goals. These lumbers also reflect
the principles of eco-friendly construction and
engineering with nature principles.
Among the prominent sustainable marine lum-
bers is greenheart wood, which is responsibly
harvested from Guyana. Greenheart (a.k.a. Chlo-
rocardium Rodiei) is highly valued for its high
strength and durability, as well as its pest and
marine borer resistance. This sustainable marine
lumber is virtually immune to rot and requires
minimal maintenance. This latter factor is key
in eliminating the risk of toxic chemicals spilling
into water. In contrast, soft woods such as pine
not only rot and give way to insects, but they are
also subject to heavy mold and fungi, therefore
requiring regular maintenance and the related
costs. These soft woods, along with composites,
have lifespans of approximately 25 years, which
is one-third that of sustainable marine lumbers
Natural beauty. A high-density wood, marine lumber glues easily, holds nails well and
such as greenheart, with a lifespan of more than
75 years. almost never requires staining. CREDIT: COURTESY OF EVERGREEN FOREST PRODUCTS
waters and their environs are home to groupers,
SUSTAINABLE MARINE LUMBER APPLICATIONS Other key properties angelfish, triggerfish and butterfly fish. The
When building with greenheart, power with a of sustainable marine Gulf Coast of Florida provides a natural habitat
moderate to high blunting effect is required. lumber further for many sea turtles, dolphins and manatees.
Builders will appreciate the sustainable marine Sustainable marine lumber does not introduce
hardwood’s turning and planning properties, illustrate the product’s any pollutants into marine environments.
despite its high density with interlocking grain performance features, Among the prevailing trends in green building
lumber. Other perks for its application include its and construction and today is the use of new building tools designed to
ability to glue easily and hold nails well within the application benefits: calculate a property’s carbon footprint from its
recommended pre-boring for nails and screws. It inception to its completion. This tool evolved from
requires little, if any, staining and polishes well. AIR DRIED DENSITY the application of building information modeling
Aesthetically, it is attractive lumber for residential (12%) of 970 kg/ wherein computer-generated images enable
and municipal waterfront properties. It offers a fine m3 (kilogram/cubic meter) contractors to envision their projects and how
to medium-fine grain, which varies from straight different construction materials will perform over
BENDING STRENGTH
to interlocking and has an appealing natural luster. time.
(at 12%) of 240 N/mm²
Typically, heartwood has a pale olive green shade, Using a carbon footprint calculator, a builder
often with a darker streaking accent. Its sapwood MODULUS OF ELASTICITY can determine the amount of energy used to
is yellowish green. (at 12%) of 24500 N/mm² produce the building materials, and what the
This sustainable marine lumber is well-suited CLASS A FIRE RATING, carbon footprint of different building materials
for use in docks, decks, handrails, boardwalks making it highly resistant will be. The builder can determine, thereby, which
and flooring, as well as in piers, lock gates, ferry to fire, and it does not would be the optimum choice from a standpoint
stations and harbor works. spread flames quickly of sustainability and environmental protection.
Given their properties and lifespans, sustainable
PROTECTING MARINE LIFE ECOSYSTEMS marine lumbers are likely to perform well under
For those concerned with the impact of construction on the the carbon footprint calculation test. These lumbers also support
environment, sustainable marine lumber has a minimal negative the trend away from concrete and steel and towards wood for its
effect on waterways, wetlands and marine ecosystems. That’s a properties in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. GB
big point, because of the myriad of ecosystems that exist. On the
East Coast, for example, striped bass, fluke, blackfish, crabs and Charles Zimmerman is president of Evergreen Forest Products,
lobsters, along with organisms such as corals, sponges, tunicates a Wading River, New York-based importer and supplier of premium,
and sea anemones, reside in marine ecosystems. Gulf stream sustainable hardwoods.

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