GOGREEN a special advertising section of the bermuda sun • JUNE 26, 2013
Woodworkers BS&R say Accoya is a solid investment By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm
In a coastal climate the beauty of natural wood can fade with the elements of sun, wind and salt water, but at carpenters BS&R Group you can now find a sustainable solution. The family woodworking business has started making shutters, (weathersealed) windows and doors from Accoya, a high performance, low maintenance acetylated wood. By purchasing these quality products, not only can you help the environment by using a sustainable wood, but your home will look beautiful for longer. Accoya is radiata pine, a fast-growing tree. It is only sourced from sustainable forests, so when one part of the forest is cut down, another part is replanted at the same time, to ensure reforestation. The wood is sourced from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification) and other regionally-certified woods. Accoya modified wood is produced by Accsys Technologies PLC, that has a wood production plant in Europe, and offices in the Netherlands, the US and UK. The company describes Accoya as “the world’s leading high technology long-life wood”, renowned for durability, stability, reliability and its aesthetics.
Long-lasting BS&R Group brings in the wood as raw lumber, Anthony Madeiros, general manager, said: “Accoya wood has been available for over a decade, but although it’s quite new, the process of treating radiata pine with vinegar has been around for a long time, but was never massproduced. “The technology is basic stuff; it’s essentially using vinegar (acetic acid) on the wood. “They make the vinegar into a vapour, put the wood into a chamber and then pressure-treat the
wood with the vapour.” He said (free) hydroxyl groupings (oxygen and hydrogen atoms) in wood make certain parts more susceptible to water conduction, rot, termites and bugs than others — commonly referred to as sapwood. Free hydroxyl groups absorb and release water according to changes in climatic conditions, swelling and shrinking (‘moving’) the wood. “Acetic acid naturally occurs in wood but this process puts more of it in there and creates a chemical reaction, changing the hydroxyl groups into acetyl groups,” said Mr Madeiros. “This makes the wood impervious to rot and other types of decay.” When transformed to an acetyl group, the ability of the wood to absorb water is greatly reduced, making the wood more stable and durable. The acetylation process is non-toxic and simply See sustainable, page 2
n Photo supplied
DURABLE: Tony Madeiros, BS&R owner, left, and son Anthony, general manager, with a window constructed from Accoya wood.
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sustainable: A high performance, low maintenance wood for an island climate Continued from page 1 modifies the chemical structure of the wood, from the surface to the core. It therefore introduces no chemicals not already found in the wood.” Accoya has both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and FSC certifications. The company says: “By using sustainably-grown wood and improving its properties without adding toxins, Accoya helps to protect threatened species, rainforests and the environment.” It adds: “Accoya is helping to protect the world’s precious hardwood resources and is guaranteed for 50 years in exterior use and 25 years when used in the ground.
Salt-resistant “This long life also provides an added benefit — helping to reduce carbon emissions.” Mr Madeiros said: “Accoya has been tested to last at least 50 years above ground, without paint, and 25 years underground. “In Bermuda, wood rots quickly due to our climate, so Accoya can stand up to the elements better than cedar will on doors and shutters. “It’s salt-resistant. Accoya is even used for underground piles in the ground in the Netherlands and other places, so it can stand up to our tough climate. “If you do paint it, the paint will last three or four times longer because the wood doesn’t ‘move’ with the climates.
“This means it doesn’t stretch the paint, ensuring that it lasts much longer. “Accoya is something all wood workers have been waiting for. “It allows us to do the work we love without having to answer the question of rot and sustainability. “We can provide a great product for our customers which will last a lot longer, is maintenance-free and won’t corrode.” He said: “We have stopped offering other types of shutters because it is so good. We used to offer mahogany, teak, western red cedar and Spanish cedar, but Accoya meets a good price point more competitive and the product is great. “It is dimensionally stable (it doesn’t ‘move’) and is virtually rot-proof, outlasting teak and other exotic (tropical) hardwoods. “These exotic hardwoods are very unsustainable. So, there’s no point in using wood from unsustainable forests when you have this product. “This is a very green, long-lasting product, at a good price. “There is no need to do anything for maintenance; you don’t even have to paint the shutters, just leave them to weather, and they will turn a silverywhite. “It’s less expensive than Virginia cedar and mahogany. “It costs around $9.50 to $10.50 for a board-foot, compared with $12.50 for mahogany or Virginia cedar. “And you don’t have to cut out any bad grain,
Advantages
n A non-toxic, recyclable raw
material
n Light yet strong, and easily
worked Good sound absorption properties n It can be used as a bio-fuel at the end of its product life n The only truly sustainable resource for construction n A natural insulator and so reduces the energy needed for heating n Reduces global warming, as trees and wood products act as carbon sinks n Sustainable and healthy — every cubic metre used saves 0.8 tonnes of CO2 n Dimensionally stable: Swelling and shrinkage is reduced by 75 per cent or more; paints and varnishes last three or four times longer n Class 1 durability — the most durable wood possible n Insect barrier: Rot-proof; a barrier to fungi; indigestible to insects and microorganisms n Easier to coat, as there is less preparation and sanding needed between coatings n Non-toxic and recyclable — the wood does not leach out any poisons n UV-resistant — Superior resistance to UV degradation when translucent-coated n Retained strength and hardness — hardness is increased and it has a high strength to weight ratio, making it suitable for challenging applications n Consistent quality — there is no need to apply chemical preservatives when cut or planed The company says: “Already the material of choice for a wide range of demanding outdoor applications, Accoya wood can be used for virtually anything, from windows to doors, decking to cladding, bridges to boats and even for applications that are presently only feasible with non-sustainable and man-made materials.” n n
n Photo courtesy of Accoya/Accsys Technologies PLC
STRENGTH: Accoya wood was used to make this ‘sunken’ bridge, the Moses Bridge, in the Netherlands. It provides visitors with access to Fort de Roovere, a 17th century fort. knots or sap wood, so it’s 100 per cent usable — you are using less of the lumber.” BS&R Group has also started producing gates, pergolas, railing and decking from the wood. “We are doing anything
with it, even garden furniture,” said Mr Madeiros. “We have been doing products with it for about five months and people are taking to it well. It’s tried and tested.” Potential customers can find out more at the
Accoya’s website at www. accoya.com.
BS&R Group is situated at 99 Middle Road, Devonshire. Call 236-2886 or go to www.bermudastripping.com. See also www. accoya.com/sustainability.
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Why should I go organic and what foods are available? By Zach Moniz Lindo’s Family Foods
The ‘organic movement’ has become quite relevant to the supermarket industry in Bermuda as these products, once only found in health food stores, are becoming more and more in demand by our customers. The word ‘organic’ refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Specific requirements must be met and maintained in order for products to be labelled as ‘organic’.
What’s the difference between organic and conventional farming? In organic farming practices, natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, are used to feed soil and plants. Non-synthetic methods, such as beneficial insects, birds and traps, are used to keep pests at bay rather than pesticides. Also, instead of synthetic herbicides, weeds are managed naturally with environmentally-generated plant-killing compounds and through crop rotation, hand weeding, mulching and tilling. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation, and reduce pollution. With regards to organic livestock farming, the animals must have access to the outdoors and are given organic feed.
n Photo supplied
healthy: Lindo’s not only has organic fruit and vegetables but also meat, cereal, convenience foods and baby formula. In addition, the farmers use preventive measures, such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing to help minimize disease instead of antibiotics. In addition, the animals are never given growth hormones.
Is organic safer and more nutritious? This question is an ongoing debate within the scientific community and among consumers overall that has yet to yield any
definitive answers. There are a variety of reasons that people choose to go organic. Some prefer the taste. Others may have concerns about the farming practices of conventional foods, whether it be the chemicals used or the impact on the environment. In addition, many people buy organic to avoid food additives, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colourings and flavourings. These types of additives are banned or severely
restricted by organic regulations. On the other hand, organic foods typically cost more than their conventional counterparts, which is due, in part, to more expensive farming practices.
What can you buy? The good news for those who are interested in the organic movement is that there is quite a variety of products out there, although here in Bermuda that availability may be limited at times.
We carry both imported and locally produced organic foods — everything from beef and poultry to fresh fruit and vegetables. Beyond that, some might be surprised at the range of different products that can be found. If you’re into baking, then you’re in luck because you can get organic items like sugar, flour, butter and shortening, as well as a variety of cooking oils. You can even get packaged organic mixes for baked goods like pie, cake
and icing. For breakfast, there’s organic cereal, oatmeal, waffle mix and syrup, along with milk, a huge assortment of fruit drinks and organic tea. You can have Italian night with organic pasta and sauces from an array of flavours. Or create your own pizza with organic French bread pizza mix. Spice up Mexican night with organic taco seasoning or tortilla chips with salsa. For quick and easy fare, there is a good selection of organic packaged convenience foods like mac and cheese or cheeseburger macaroni and canned pasta meals. In the freezer section, you’ll also find organic foods like waffles, veggie burgers, enchiladas, chicken strips and microwavable pasta bowls. Finally, for the kids, there are numerous organic snacks and goodies from cookies, crackers and rice crisp bars, to marshmallow treats, fruit bites and yogurt smoothies. You can even serve up your summer ice cream in organic sugar cones. We also have organic baby formula. The bottom line with buying organic food is that it really is personal choice and we’re in the business of providing our customers with as many choices as possible. n
Zach Moniz is the manager of Lindo’s Family Foods Manager. See www. lindos.bm
Maintenance Free Shutters, Windows, Doors, Gates, Railing, Pergolas, Decking, And Much More Expert Craftsmen Extraordinary Results A division of the
#99 Middle Road, Devonshire Tel: 236-2886 Fax: 236-6819 Web: www.bermudastripping.com Email: info@bermudastripping.bm
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