The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) recently introduced American Hardwood Environmental Profiles (AHEPs). This unique LCA data and modeling system will be used to develop a customized environmental profile “tool” that will combine: legality information (EUTR...

Available now is an update to the Green Globes for New Construction program. Based on an ANSI standard: ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings, the program “was developed using an ANSI approved consensus process involving...

‘Green Building’ is presenting the forest products sector with a magnificent opportunity. SCIENCE, through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is identifying American Hardwoods and hardwood products as not only responsibly...

Finishes are vital to protecting the beauty and performance of hardwood cabinetry, flooring and millwork, and in the not-so-distant past, it was considered practically impossible to make high-quality finishes that did not emit VOCs, both during their application and...

The no-no's about using hardwood near a water source are vanishing as more design professionals are saying yes to client requests for the warmth, charm and richness of natural wood no matter where it's used, in the bath, the kitchen, and even the basement. Rule of...

Looking to reduce waste and live without reliance on public utilities? A Pennsylvania couple is doing just that. Tucked away in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, Ted and Kathy Carns live a life of zero waste, astonishing inventiveness and self-reliant living....

The Traverwood Branch Library in Ann Arbor, Mich., is a 16,500-square-foot lesson in sustainable building and design. Built on four acres of green space, the L-shaped building celebrates the rebirth of local ash trees—victims of the emerald ash borer. The fallen ash...

Material selection is an integral component of sustainable design and “the American hardwood industry believes it has an environmental profile that is hard to beat.” But to scientifically establish the environmental credentials of American hardwoods and hardwood...

Two weeks ago, a U.S. forester marked a mature Black Walnut tree for harvest. Two days ago, the felled tree headed to the saw mill. Two hours ago, magnificent boards were cut, destined for use in fine furniture, flooring, interior paneling and a variety of other...

For reasons of current fashion, custom or convention, many American Hardwood species are unexplored or under-used, despite their appeal and commercial functionality. But for three specifying professionals, hardwoods are the go-to material. Here are their thoughts and...