As builders and developers seek cost-effective ways to meet the demand, many are turning to wood framing for four- and five-story buildings-and even up to six stories in Canada. However, wood shrinkage can be an issue. Laminated strand lumber (LSL) provides an effective means of dealing with shrinkage in wall plates.
Last week, NASF submitted comments to the USDA regarding their efforts to adapt to a changing climate as laid out in its 2012 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan.
It wasn't long ago that people were determined to use light-gauge steel in lieu of wood studs for their residential projects. Their rationale was that steel was more environmentally friendly, because the material didn't require cutting down trees for its manufacture.
This week NASF submitted comments to GSA regarding green building certification systems. NASF asked that GSA recommend the use of inclusive green building certification systems that recognize wood as a preferred green building material, which will help stimulate the economies of rural, forest-based communities.
Last week NASF joined other forestry organizations in a letter to Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell to emphasize the importance of wood being classified as green product. The current LEED standards discourages the use of wood relative to other building materials and discriminates against two widely used forest certification standards.
Many people are unaware that the LEED certification system isn't the only game in town. Green Globes, a competing certification system, is gaining momentum as the preferred choice for builders around the country.
Green Globes, run in the U.S. by the Portland-based Green Building Initiative, recently caught the attention of the U.S. government, which is deciding whether to change its mind about LEED as the preferred certification system for new federal buildings.
A study by Georgia Tech for the Georgia Forestry Commission shows that in 2011, economic activity generated by the forestry industry topped $25 billion in output and provided 118,459 jobs.
Highlights of the "Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia: 2011" report include increases in output, compensation, employment and total economic impact, as well as impact statistics by region. The report shows that between 2010 and 2011:
