Science supporting the economic and environmental benefits of using wood and wood products in green building construction

The objective of this report is to summarize the scientific findings that support the environmental and economic benefits of using wood and wood products in green building construction. Despite documented advantages in many peer-reviewed scientific articles, most building professionals and members of the public do not recognize wood as a renewable resource or the role that efficient wood utilization plays in mitigating climate change and promoting healthy forests. Research and development of wood products and building systems also are lagging behind that of other materials. Both scientific advancement in the areas of life cycle analysis and development of new technologies for improved and extended wood utilization are needed to continue to advance wood as a green construction material. We provide three research and technology transfer recommendations that will allow USDA to help to achieve its climate change objectives while creating jobs, bolstering the competitive position and long-term economic stability of the industry, and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.