American Hardwoods and their Role in Carbon Neutral Design

Learn about the science that surrounds American Hardwoods, the significant role they play in the environment and their importance as a sustainable building material.
Credits: 1 AIA HSW + 1 USGBC/GBCI + 1 AIBC, 1 AANB, 1 NSAA, 1 ALBNL Core LU + 1 AAA Structured LU
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1. Describe the difference between the physical characteristics of hardwood and softwood trees and identify a minimum of two species for each.
2. Identify the preferred harvesting method used in responsible forest management of American hardwoods and cite a minimum of two of its positive effects in sustainable timber production and the forest eco-system.
3. Explain the key points of the carbon cycle as it relates to hardwoods’ impact on the environment through its entire life cycle process, from healthy forests to finished products.
4. List documented environmental attributes that identify American hardwoods as a comparatively favorable carbon neutral building material.
5. Agree that specifying American hardwoods in the material selection process plays a significant role in carbon neutral design.