National Forest Products Week Recognizes the Environmental and Economic Benefits of Wood Products
The third week of every October is designated as National Forest Products Week, this year held October 16–22. Like others, we commemorate the week, an annual recognition of the many contributions the entire forest products industry makes to the economy and society. Looking forward, great opportunities are on the horizon, and we note a few below.
For example, over the past several years, a number of tall wood projects have been completed around the world, demonstrating successful applications of next-generation lumber and mass timber technologies. Today, the concept is gaining traction in the United States – with more architects opting for a sustainable solution for attaining safe, cost-effective, high-performing tall buildings in urban-dense settings.
The introduction of the “Timber Innovation Act” in the U.S. House and Senate, coupled with the growing green construction trend, illustrates the importance and recognition of the inherent benefits of wood building materials in construction. National Forest Products Week is also a time for us to celebrate and discuss the function of sustainable forestry and carbon sequestration in our products in mitigating atmospheric carbon contributing to buildup of greenhouse gases.
During the week, AWC invites readers to join in the celebration. As a leader in the North American wood products industry, we will be providing resources and information for professionals on the important role of forest products. Other activities in recognition of National Forest Products Week that you might want to join in on include:
- International Code Council (ICC) Annual Conference: AWC will have a booth at the ICC’s Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO held Oct. 16–18. Come find us to learn more about wood products and mass timber – and for a chance to win prizes!
- “Timber City” Exhibit: For those of you who happen to be in the Washington, D.C. area, the National Building Museum is featuring an exhibit on tall wood buildings and the potential of mass timber. Be sure to check it out!
- Economic Impact: You can find the economic impact the wood products industry has on your state on AWC’s website. Use this information to write a letter to the editor or when you speak to legislators about the importance of the industry: http://awc.org/publicpolicy/statefactsheets
- Social Media: Join AWC on October 19 at 1 p.m. ET on Twitter for a Q&A on tall wood buildings. Follow #AWCTallWoodChat on Twitter to join in.
Wood is the perfect green building material because it is renewable, stores carbon that reduces greenhouse gases, lessens our dependence on fossil-fuel intensive materials, and is energy efficient. AWC appreciates the opportunity presented by National Forest Products Week to celebrate the innovation currently happening in our industry and around the world.