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.

• 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 metres

GREENHEART TIMBER

In a world where environmental consciousness is paramount, sustainable practices are becoming increasingly crucial in every industry. Guyanese Guyanese Greenheart Timber is a shining example of sustainable forestry practices ensured by the Guyanese Government for decades.

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 timber 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 (link to that page) 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 Green Building:

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:

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. 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.