Local, sustainable lumber

By Molly Gallagher Burk

Here in Maine, we are lucky to be surrounded by some of the most sustainable building materials around — trees. Wood is non-toxic, strong, and renewable when it’s well managed. And if it’s sourced locally from Maine lumber companies, it uses less fossil fuel and supports the state economy. For your next building project, look for lumber that is grown, harvested and milled right here in Maine.

Forest certification can help you identify wood products from sustainably managed forests. More than 4 million acres of forestland in Maine have achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Look for certified wood products including lumber, paneling, and decking materials through your local lumber retailer or manufacturer. National green building programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) recognize certified wood as an important component of an environmentally designed building.

Locally sourced and reclaimed lumber are also eligible for LEED rating points. Some of the local Maine lumber options include Eastern white pine, Eastern white cedar, Eastern spruce, and balsam fir. For moisture prone areas, naturally rot-resistant wood and locally sourced white cedar is a good alternative to treated wood. And using reclaimed wood is one of the most sustainable options around. It keeps salvageable wood from going to landfills and avoids the environmental costs of producing new materials.

Composite materials made from lumber can also be long-lasting, greener options for building projects. Often made from blends of waste wood and recycled plastics or glass, these can last up to 20 years with little maintenance. Some options available locally include TimberSIL and Nexwood.

Lumber certification organizations

SFI: The Sustainable Forestry Initiative is an independent non-profit that maintains a sustainable forestry certification program focused on North America. H&G_LocalSustainableLumber_1