Ahec Lauches First Environmental Profile For US Hardwoods In Asia

SINGAPORE, June 13 (Bernama) -- The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) unveiled Wednesday its first comprehensive environmental profile for American hardwoods in Asia at AHEC’s 17th Southeast Asia and Greater China Convention - its first regional conference in Singapore. The convention focuses on the sustainability of American hardwood, green design and the global environmental impact of materials sourced by manufacturers and designers. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study, which explains the various facets of environmental impacts of hardwood used by manufacturers, forms a key part of AHEC’s efforts to promote a science-based approach to sustainable design and material specification. AHEC executive director Michael Snow said the convention was a signficant platform for them to announce the findings of their LCA study which was the largest LCA project undertaken in the international hardwood industry. A key aim of this study is to enable manufacturers of joinery, flooring and furniture products as well as building professionals to understand the sustainability of American hardwoods and to help users to prepare formal EPDs in line with international standards, he told a media briefing here Wednesday. Over 400 local and overseas delegates from 13 countries are attending the convention hosted by AHEC and jointly organised with the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC). --BERNAMA