Our Commitment to Lumber Sustainability Is Stronger Than Ever

The words “Eco-Friendly” and "Environmentally Conscious" are too easily thrown onto labels these days. “Greenwashing”, marketing as green aware, but not practicing it, is sometimes leveraged for profit, and not because the environment is important to them. In the building industry, architects and builders are not so easily fooled and the demand for proven sustainable decking and siding options will only increase. We put it right in our name, Mataverde Sustainable Decking and Siding Solutions, because we have a deep commitment to certified responsible lumber harvesting practices. 

At Mataverde, we are constantly ensuring that our products are not just durable and attractive but also truly eco-friendly. One does not have to mutual exclude the other. In fact, any experienced architect or home builder knows that the beauty of real wood siding and decking will disappear if sustainable practices aren’t adhered to and supported.

Project design now often includes sustainability in its criteria. Whether due to the location, LEED certification, homeowner preferences, the architect or the builder, having environmentally friendly choices is essential for all involved. 

FSC® Machiche hardwood rooftop deck overlooking the Bay Area in California, an area where environmentally friendly materials are always important to homeowners and architects.

Ethical Foundation

Our journey towards sustainability begins with a firm ethical foundation. We believe in the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.

This belief guides everything we do, from sourcing our materials to manufacturing our products. We are proud to offer lumber that meets exceptionally high sourcing and harvesting geographics guidelines. 

The certifications and sustainable practices include the following:

• Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)
• The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA)
• Secretary of State for the Environment (SEMA)
• Rainforest Alliance®
• Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC®)

See our Environment page for detailed information on how we meet the criteria of each of these certifications. 

 Local harvester using FSC certified practices in Guatemala

Sustainable Sourcing

We understand that the heart of sustainability lies in responsible sourcing. That's why we are proud to offer a wide range of exterior wood materials that are sustainably harvested.

Jose Roman Carrera is considered a "conservation superhero" in the Mayan Biosphere courtesy of @Rainforest-Alliance.org

RELATED: Buy Machiche Wood and Help Save The Forest

Jatoba hardwood was chosen for the sustainability aspect and its durability at a historic New York resort. 

Exotic Hardwoods

Forest ecosystems are protected. We work with suppliers who prioritize the conservation of forest ecosystems, ensuring minimal impact on local flora and fauna.

• Reforestation and regeneration - We actively support reforestation efforts, ensuring that the trees we harvest are replaced with new ones, promoting a healthy forest ecosystem.
• Community engagement - We support endeavors that collaborate with local communities to ensure that our sourcing practices are not only environmentally friendly but also benefit the people who live in these regions.
  
  

The Mayan Biosphere is important to the local communities and the global lumber industry. The Rainforest Alliance is helping to make sure communities benefit from sustainable, responsibly forestry practices. 

Our exotic Hardwood Decking materials and Rainscreen Siding options include sustainably harvested Ipe wood, FSC Machiche, Garapa, Jatoba, and Cumaru. 

Choosing Mataverde Wood Rainscreen siding is an excellent way to build green. Check out this great reference for more, The Ultimate Guide to Wood Rainscreen Siding:

ThermaWood Hem-Fir or ThermaWood FR Hem-Fir Siding can be used on exteriors and soffits. 

Thermally Modified Wood

In addition to exotic hardwoods, we offer thermally modified wood options. Domestically sourced in North America, Thermally modified woods are an excellent choice for those seeking sustainable alternatives that are more affordable than hardwood and more durable than unmodified softwoods.

ThermaWood Hem-Fir decking and soffit on a porch with open doors leading to the private dock

ThermoWood Hem-Fir

Mataverde ThermaWood materials are created by using heat, steam, and pressure, eliminating the need for chemical treatments. The process is non-toxic and environmentally safe. This process not only enhances the wood's durability but also reduces its environmental Impact. 

RELATED:  See the ThermaWood Project Photo Gallery

ThermaWood FR Hem-Fir used for a full exterior renovation in a wildfire-prone Northern California area. 

Fire Retardant Treated Wood

ThermaWood FR is thermally modified wood that has also been treated with Thermex-FR, creating a non-toxic and environmentally friendly fire-resistant material. Best of all, ThermoWood FR exterior decking and siding is IWUI and WUI approved.

Using the Thermex-FR by Chemco, this patented process bonds the fire retardant at the cellular level of the wood, which means it will not wash off into the ground or shed off into the air over time. Additionally, this treatment does not contain Boride, a common ingredient in most fire retardant treatments on the market, making it non-toxic and safe around people and pets. . 

Best of all, because of this innovative treatment, ThermoWood FR can be recycled at the end of its long and beautiful lifecycle.

See more about the process, watch the brief video on the Fire Treatment process:

An Ipe hardwood rooftop deck like this one will last for decades with very little maintenance

Longevity and Durability

One of the core principles of sustainability is creating products that last. Mataverde decking materials are renowned for their durability and longevity.

When you invest in our products, you are making a sustainable choice by reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.

Sustainable hardwoods are appropriate for commercial and educational buildings, like the Garapa used in this sweeping architectural design at the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut

Recyclable and Reusable

We encourage the responsible disposal of Mataverde products. Many of our decking materials are recyclable. Upcycling is also an option, the quality of our products allows for reuse in various creative projects, further extending their lifespan.

Cumaru hardwood was used to create a channel side deck and seating in Florida. 

Join Us in the Journey

Like you, we believe that sustainability is not a destination but an ongoing commitment. We invite you to join us in this journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

By choosing Mataverde decking and siding materials, you are making a conscious decision to support responsible harvesting practices and help protect our environment.

Thank you for choosing sustainability, durability, and beauty for your outdoor spaces. Together, we can make a difference in our forests and around the globe.

Contact our team today to learn more about our sustainable decking and siding options and be part of our commitment to preserving our planet.