The benefits of beech from Europe are detailed in European Beech: Durable, Sustainable and Versatile, a video and online learning course presented by Pollmeier Inc. The video discusses the benefits of using more wood, not less, to lower carbon emissions. It identifies which hardwood species are the most abundant and where some of the best managed certified hardwood forests are located.
In addition, the physical and performance properties of European beech are compared to eight other temperate hardwoods, such as hard maple, white oak, red oak, cherry, yellow birch, alder, soft maple and black walnut. The course is approved by the American Institute of Architects and other groups.
The video also covers life cycle assessment of wood, and how it is the only carbon-negative sustainable building material. Characteristics of the world’s forests and the beech forests of Europe are also discussed, along with the growth of European beech as the most available and accessible temperate hardwood. The video describes such beech characteristics as redheart.
The Forest Stewardship Council (www.fsc.org) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (www.pefc.org) are the most widely used certification programs in Europe and are described here.
Applications described for European beech include flooring, cabinets, doors and millwork, ceiling panels and trim, furniture. Surface treatments for European beech are also covered. For more information, contact Pollmeier Inc., 503-452-5800, www.pollmeier.com.