New Study Urges Construction to Cut Tropical Hardwood Use

The construction industry is being urged to rethink its reliance on tropical hardwoods such as Ipe, Teak, and Cumaru—materials prized for their strength and appearance but tied to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and carbon emissions. A new white paper authored by professionals from Turner Construction Company, ZGF, SERA Architects, and Sasaki explores both the environmental consequences of current practices and the viable alternatives available today.

The paper, co-authored by Emi LaFountain (Turner Construction Company), Jacob Dunn (ZGF), Josh Cabot (SERA Architects), and Chris Hardy (Sasaki), highlights the need to balance performance with ecological responsibility.

The issue is particularly urgent because tropical forests store immense amounts of carbon and support half of the world’s terrestrial species. Yet, international demand—especially from North America—continues to place stress on these ecosystems. Logging of tropical hardwoods is often linked with illegal harvesting, corruption, unreliable certification, long transport distances, and unpredictable market costs.

Not all tropical hardwood use is unsustainable, however. The authors point to models like Guatemala’s Biosphere Reserve, where community forestry has demonstrated how responsible management can simultaneously protect ecosystems and support local economies.

The white paper builds on real-world examples, such as the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion, completed by Turner in 2024. The project used 100% FSC-certified Alaskan Yellow Cedar sourced from Taan Forestry, which is associated with the Haida Tribe. This demonstrated how certified domestic species can meet demanding project requirements while also supporting Indigenous forestry and sustainable supply chains.

The authors outline a range of practical alternatives to tropical hardwoods that deliver comparable durability and aesthetics:

• Durable domestic woods like Black Locust and Alaskan Yellow Cedar.
• Modified woods including thermally treated or acetylated pine.
• FSC/PEFC-certified products that ensure responsible sourcing.
• Plastic composites and advanced surface coatings that extend lifespan and performance.

The paper also emphasizes that thoughtful design, detailing, and ongoing maintenance are just as critical as material choice in ensuring long-term durability.

The overarching goal, according to the authors, is to show that the construction industry can protect forests without sacrificing design integrity or structural performance. By raising awareness, applying due diligence to supply chains, and prioritizing sustainable materials, architects and builders can significantly reduce reliance on tropical hardwoods.

This shift, they argue, is not just an environmental necessity but also an opportunity to foster innovation and resilience in material selection for the future of sustainable construction.

Originally reported by Turner Construction.