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By Nancy B. Solomon, AIA

Sustainability

One cannot begin to discuss exotic woods without quickly touching on the issue of sustainability and certification. Deforestation has been associated with many dire consequences, from decreased bio- and cultural diversity to increased erosion, flooding, and global warming. The situation is particularly acute in tropical countries because their rain forests are home to a greater diversity of species—many of which have yet to be discovered—while sociopolitical conditions in those parts of the world make it highly likely that a noncertified forest suffers from poor—if any—management practices. “Forests in these areas may simply be cut down for agriculture, ranching, or even fuel by poor people who see no other options,” notes Liza Murphy, forest products marketing associate at the New York–based Rainforest Alliance (www.ra.org), a nonprofit organization that works worldwide to protect ecosystems and their inhabitants.

 

These are some of the most common tropical woods currently traded in the United States. Many species—both on and off this chart—are available as certified product. Some less-known species may exhibit characteristics comparable to those listed here, while others may offer unique qualities that could be highly desirable for a particular project. Choosing alternatives helps relieve pressure on those that are frequently specified. LOW DENSITY Lighter-weight woods for interior use. Ceiba (Sunauma) Elliottis Pine Jarrah (Eucalyptus) Faveiria Melapi Okoume Radlata Pine Virola MEDIUM / HIGH DENSITY Variety of reliable species for structural, industrial, and other hard-wearing applications. Bubinga Cupiuba Kapur Kempas Keruing Purpleheart MEDIUM DENSITY Many well-known woods used in joinery, furniture, and flooring. Afrormosia Agathis Andiroba Anegre Birch (Eastern European) Imbuia Iroko Khaya (African Mahongany) Lacewood Lauan Mahogany (Big-Leaf) Meranti Nogal (Peruvian Walnut) Nyatoh Ramin Rubberwood Sande Sapele Spanish Cedar Tauari Teak Wenge HIGHER DENSITY Strongest and most durable species for sea defense, dockyard work, bridges, and other extra-demanding situations. Azobe/Ekki Bangkirai Cumaru Greenhcart Ipe Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry

Despite increased concerns about the health of the rain forest—and international agreements such as CITES that attempt to protect endangered species—the decimation continues. At a recent conference in Bonn, Germany, marking the 10th anniversary of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a Greenpeace representative reported that, using satellite imagery, the Brazilian government documented that more than 494,000 acres of Amazon land were deforested in a two-week period in July 2004 alone.