In May, DHA partnered with GreenCE, an online platform that provides education on sustainable design, to deliver a course that highlights the beauty, sustainability, and climate benefits of decorative hardwoods.

By the end of June, more than 500 architects and designers had already completed the course, which qualifies for continuing education credit at the American Institute of Architects, American Institute of Building Design, and Green Building Certification.

The course is Hardwood Plywood, Engineered Wood Floors and Hardwood Veneer: The Basics.

The course covers includes sustainability considerations including forest sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration.

Learning Objectives: 

• Describe how hardwood products are grown and produced including: hardwoods vs. softwoods, hardwood species, and where hardwoods grow.
• Identify considerations regarding forest stewardship and sustainability including: annual net growth, forest stewardship certification systems, and legal timber due diligence and the Lacey Act.
• Explain who owns hardwoods and harvesting methods and their contributions to forest stewardship and sustainability.
• Analyze the impact of decorative hardwood products on climate change and carbon sequestration.