Greenheart Timber Suppliers

Greenheart, also known as Demerara Greenheart, is one of the strongest commercially available timbers in the market. Ideally suited for salt and fresh water applications where strength and long life are required. It is classified as very durable with a minimum life of 25 years and graded to strength class D70. Greenheart is well known for a long life span with our case study showing 127 year old Greenheart Fenders on the River Clyde.

Primary Uses: Marine defences, harbours, bridges
Strength Class: D70
Durability: Class 1
Dimensions: Standard stock sizes from 50 x 100mm up to 500 x 500mm
Lengths: Up to 22 meters
Carbon Data: Please contact nicola@gilmouraitken.com for our EPD.
Certification: FSC available
Latin Name: Chlorocardium rodiei

Leadtime:

Dependent on volume: 3-5 week for onsite stock volume. Check with sales team for
confirmation.
6 months for bought forward material in higher volumes. Check with sales team for
confirmation.

Greenheart Timber: End Uses

Greenheart timber is used extensively in multiple sectors across UK, in the main Sea
Defence Schemes, Ports and Harbours, Railway, Oil and Gas, Renewables and much more.
Gilmour & Aitken have multiple sawmills on site which produce cut to order marine timbers
including Greenheart. Value add processes can be carried out on site such as:

Chamfering,
Drilling
Bolting
Planning to agreed tolerances
Grading

Each project is unique and we cut to design engineer specifications. Please see our case study page for more details.

Greenheart Timber: Sustainable Sourcing

Guyana in 2024 achieved national code of practice endorsement by PEFC and FSC suppliers are available in country.

In a world where environmental consciousness is paramount, sustainable practices are
becoming increasingly crucial in every industry. Guyanese Greenheart Timber is a sustainably managed resource coming from a country which nationally adopts sustainable forestry practice. Reduced impact logging techniques are set within the GFC code of practice and is enshrined in Guyanese Law. The Code of Practice is third party verified by a number of different organisations including DNV and now has endorsement with PEFC
.

In tact canopy

Greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei) is a tropical hardwood native to the rainforests of Guyana, South America. Its name is derived from its distinct greenish hue when freshly cut, and it is renowned for its exceptional durability and strength. These qualities make Greenheart an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, especially in marine construction, sea defence and railway projects where longevity and sustainability are paramount.

Greenheart wood is a uniquely strong and durable timber, D70 & Class 1 timber, which is harvested while maintaining intact forests. Guyana, a country with vast expanses of pristine rainforest, has implemented strict regulations to ensure that Greenheart logging is done responsibly, monitored by the Guyanese Forestry Commission.

This product which originates in its D70 form only from Guyana, South America is the dominant species in the forest. It is felled using tailored reduced impact logging techniques at such a low level that there is an abundant pipeline of naturally regenerating forest for the future. The low felling levels mean scientists track almost non-detectable impact to biodiversity, ensuring that the delicate ecosystem remains intact. Scientists such as Dr Jake Bicknell from University of Kent have published several papers on this subject.

Guyanese Greenheart offers a product loved by engineers, but also a win for the environmentally conscious and carbon focused market.

Preserving Biodiversity

Guyana’s commitment to sustainable forestry extends beyond the timber itself. The government has established protected areas and reserves, safeguarding the rich biodiversity of the rainforests. Within forest concessions there are restrictions in what types of tree can be taken, what size, where located in the concession. By carefully managing logging activities, Guyana ensures that the extraction of Greenheart timber does not jeopardize the diverse flora and fauna that call these rainforests home.

Carbon Sequestration and Reuse for sustainable construction

Greenheart timber is not just a robust material for construction; it also contributes to carbon sequestration. As a tropical hardwood, Greenheart stores carbon throughout its long life at over 1 ton of carbon / m3 in the end product, mitigating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. When used in construction, Greenheart provides a sustainable alternative to other less eco-friendly materials, making it a cornerstone for green building practices.

Please contact us for the EPD figures for the product.

Reuse of Greenheart:

Due to its strength and durability, Greenheart never hits landfill. There is always another end use be it landscaping timber, vine stakes, wedges for dock blocks, the list goes on. Greenheart has been the original and only nature grown circular product due to its strength and durability properties.

Longevity and Low Maintenance:

The durability of Greenheart timber is unmatched, with a natural resistance to pests, decay, and water damage. This durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to a decrease in overall resource consumption. Although older timber structures require maintenance, the timber is easy to cut and replace in small sections without compromising structural integrity and again timber offcuts never hit landfill.

Global Recognition and Certification of Greenheart Wood

Greenheart timber’s reputation for sustainability has earned it recognition on the global stage. Due to the high quality of forestry standards which operate nationally through the Guyanese Forestry Commission, certification bodies, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), were easily able to certify Greenheart suppliers to meet their environmental and social standards.

Guyana has also in 2024 achieved national PEFC endorsement of their Code of Practice.

These certifications reassure buyers that the timber they are using comes from responsibly managed forests. As the world strives for a more sustainable planet, Greenheart timber stands as a testament to the positive impact that conscientious choices in procurement, specification, supply chain, and ultimately national forest governance can have on our environment and the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Here to help

Please see our services page for our sawmilling value add services. If you would like to discuss your project or your specific requirements, please call us on 01389 752333 or send an email to sales@gilmouraitken.com.

product