Content about USDA

September 30, 2011
Wood is green, says Forest Service

A new U.S. Forest Service study is urging U.S. builders to prioritize wood as a green building material due to its environmental benefits, low carbon emissions, and verifiable third-party rating system for “green” certification.

A new U.S. Forest Service study is urging U.S. builders to prioritize wood as a green building material due to its environmental benefits, low carbon emissions and verifiable third-party rating system for “green” certification.

The authors of “Science Supporting the Economic and Environmental Benefits of Using Wood and Wood Products in Green Building Construction” reviewed the scientific literature and found that using wood in building products yields fewer greenhouse gases than using other common materials.

March 31, 2011
Wood -- all wood -- promoted as green by USDA

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, officially launching the International Year of the Forests on March 30, announced the USDA's strategy to promote the use of wood as a green building material.

"Wood has a vital role to play in meeting the growing demand for green building materials. Forest Service studies show that wood compares favorably with competing materials," said Vilsack, who laid out a three-part plan to address current green building practices. These strategies will include: 

October 31, 2010
Looking ahead at LBM

Having lumber orders to fill and not enough inventory on the ground may sound like...

Having lumber orders to fill and not enough inventory on the ground may sound like a dream to LBM dealers right now. But that day may arrive sometime in 2015, according to a forecast by Henry Spelter, an economist with Forest Economic Advisors. Reduced capacity, increased demand from China, the pine beetle infestation in Western Canada and other factors will combine to raise the prices of softwood lumber as supplies tighten.