ProPopulus Team
The recent recognition of the poplar clones MC and Luisa Avanzo by the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) marks a turning point for the use of this wood in construction. These clones have been included in the list of woods suitable for structural use. This milestone eliminates the need for additional laboratory tests to prove their suitability.
This achievement results from a long process of research and collaboration between various institutions and companies, led by the University of Granada (UGR). Among the prominent participants are the Wood Research Unit of Andalusia at UGR (UIMA), the Poplar Producers Group of Granada Marjal, and the Confederation of Forest Owners of Spain (COSE).
The standardization process
Achieving the standardization of poplar wood has not been an easy task. According to Daniel F. Llana, from the Wood Construction Research Group at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), it was necessary to collect representative samples from the six main poplar-producing areas in Spain, including regions in the Ebro, Duero, and Guadalquivir basins. In particular, the Luisa Avanzo clone, exclusive to Andalusia, has been key in this process.
The tasks of acquiring the wood, processing it, and drying it were directed by Dr. Francisco Rescalvo from UIMA-UGR, with the collaboration of various companies and local sawmills. Subsequently, mechanical tests were conducted at the Pemade facilities in Lugo, under the direction of Professor Manuel Guaita, with the participation of doctoral student Yaiza Fuentes-García, who is working on her thesis on this topic.
Fuentes-García emphasizes that the recognition of these clones will facilitate the use of poplar wood in construction, as architects will not need to conduct additional audits to prove the material’s strength, stiffness, and density. This advancement will lead to significant savings in time and money and will boost the use of poplar as a construction material, particularly in technical forms such as laminated beams and cross-laminated timber.
A source of pride for Granada and Spain
For Granada and its partners in the LIFE Wood for Future project, this recognition is a source of pride. Antolino Gallego, professor at UGR and project coordinator, highlights that this achievement positions Spanish poplar in the industrialized construction market, a sector that is growing due to its low carbon footprint and high energy efficiency.
This milestone not only opens up new opportunities for the use of poplar in construction but also has a positive impact on the local economy. Alberto de la Torre, architect and secretary of the Marjal Poplar Producers Group, is confident that the standardization of the MC and Luisa Avanzo clones will promote the development of this crop in the province of Granada. In addition to capturing CO2, poplar cultivation creates biodiversity islands in agricultural areas and combats depopulation by creating green jobs in forestry.
A new era for poplar
Poplar, which until now was mainly used in the manufacture of plywood, packaging, and pallets, now has the opportunity to become a key structural material in construction. Patricia Gómez, manager of COSE, notes that this standardization comes at a time when producers are organizing and professionalizing to offer high-quality wood, positioning Spain as an example of good forest management and sustainable plantations.
This advancement not only benefits poplar producers but also has a significant impact on the construction industry. With the assignment of the T10 strength class by the European CEN committee, poplar wood becomes a viable and safe option for building, which could translate into increased demand from architects and developers.
The recognition of poplar wood as a structural material marks the beginning of a new era for this natural resource in Spain. Thanks to the joint work of researchers, producers, and organizations, poplar now has a place in sustainable construction. This advancement not only boosts the timber industry but also contributes to the fight against climate change and promotes economic and social development in rural areas.
At a time when sustainability is more important than ever, the standardization of poplar demonstrates that it is possible to combine innovation and tradition to build a greener and more efficient future. With this achievement, poplar ceases to be just another tree in the rural landscape to become a fundamental pillar in the architecture of tomorrow.