One way that architects can (and should) make a significant change on the overall carbon impact of buildings is to eschew tropical hardwoods. Our research has shown that imported tropical hardwoods are the key driver of deforestation in the tropics, which is responsible for 25% of human-caused CO2 emissions

Logging is the single greatest direct cause of deforestation in South-east Asia. And in the neotropics, it’s the main contributing factor. A logged tropical forest is eight times more likely to be completely deforested.

Tragically, entire buildings are being clad in ipe; “green” roofs are sporting ipe or teak decks and benches; mahogany window frames are still all-too-popular; ipe, massaranduba or tigerwood decks are all the rage.

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Letter to the Editor - 11 December 2009