Learning Center

Other Publications

• Building Materials Matter - Continuing Education

  From an environmental perspective, it is widely known that buildings matter. Buildings consume nearly half the energy produced in the United States, use three-quarters of the electricity and account for nearly half of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The magnitude of their effects is the driving force behind many initiatives to improve tomorrow’s structures—from energy regulations and government procurement policies, to green building rating systems and programs such as the Architecture 2030 Challenge. The focus on energy efficiency, in particular, has led to widespread improvements, so much so that many designers are now giving greater attention to the impacts of structural building materials.

• Code Conforming Wood Design 2015

  The intent of this book is to summarize the allowable wood use in buildings in accordance with the International Code Council (ICC) 2015 International Building Code (IBC). Emphasis will be placed on the design flexibilities permitted for wood in commercial construction. This is not meant to be a replacement for the IBC and does not encompass all of the design options in the IBC. The IBC, along with any local amendments, should always be consulted for applicable specific requirements related to designs and site conditions.

• Designing Modern Wood Schools

  How to create high-performance structures that are also cost effective There is a strong case to be made for using wood in school construction, both to accommodate a growing number of students with structures that are cost effective, and to do so while creating high-performance buildings that are safe, resilient, and appealing.

• Forest Products Terminology

  The field of forest products is a blend of several subjects—forestry, biology, chemistry, and engineering, among many others. This blending can at times lead to communication gaps between disciplines and create confusion for consumers. Inaccuracies can lead to the inappropriate utilization of wood, shortening its service life, or worse, creating safety hazards. It is therefore pertinent for users of wood to become familiar with wood science and technology terminology. This will help to minimize confusion as well as increase accuracy in communication. This fact sheet, while not comprehensive, will introduce the North American wood user to many of the forest products industry’s agencies, organizations, and terms.

• Mass Timber Stands Tall

  In response to growing support for taller timber structures throughout the United States, the International Code Council approved 14 changes to the International Building Code (IBC) in early 2019, including the introduction of three new construction types and the ability to build up to 18 stories of mass timber. This performance-based evolution of the code is backed by a comprehensive consultation process, wood science and research, and rigorous real-life testing to ensure life safety and fire protection.

• Providing a Natural Connection in the Built Environment

  Wood provides a deeper connection to nature in the built environment, while adding warmth and comfort to the places we live, work and play. It connects us to the outside world while invoking a sense of social responsibility.

• Supplying Consumers With an Environmentally-Friendly Alternative

  Paper supplies consumers with a sustainable and trusted choice to reduce their carbon impact. The demand for paper and paper-based packaging has increased with the growing number of consumers that support environmentally-minded businesses. Consumers support forest-based products for a number of reasons - but the leading reason being that trees are a renewable resource.

• Wood and Durability

  Wood buildings are durable. Between 2000-2003, newly-demolished buildings were surveyed in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The survey revealed wood buildings have longer lifespans than steel or concrete structures.

• Wood and Fire Safety

  No building material is completely impervious to fire’s effects but when fire protection systems are in place, fire can be effectively managed. Wood-frame assemblies can resist fire up to 2 hours, if the right materials and construction methods are used.

• Wood in High Winds & Earthquakes

  Wood Structures bend and flex. Wood construction is wind-resistive, and seismic-resistive.