Forest certification, reduced-formaldehyde panels build on natural qualities

The manufacturing of wood products uses fewer resources and is less polluting than other materials

by Kathy Abusow

Of all building materials, wood has the largest number of inherent green attributes. Biodegradability, carbon sequestration and renewability top an impressive list that also includes low embodied energy, low manufacturing emissions, and natural insulating properties. (more…)

Composite panel association hear the call for lower emissions

by John Bradfield.

Interior-use wood panel products, such as particleboard, medium density fibreboard [MDF], and hardboard, have often been singled out because of their use of urea-formaldehyde [UF] glues and their negative effect on indoor air quality. (more…)

Concrete Embodied Energy

by Tom Schwarzkopf

Durable, solid, and strong are adjectives that spring to mind when one thinks of concrete - all qualities important in the creation of sustainable buildings. However, these qualities have traditionally come at a price: environmental degradation caused by materials extraction, high energy use and high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the production process. (more…)

Industry positioning steel as essential to sustainable building

by Sylvie Boulanger

With its long history of recycling, the steel industry has engaged in sustainable practices even before there was a conscious movement to do so. Today, the industry is trying to make its products an essential part in the holistic design of buildings that conserve energy, have superior indoor environments, and that can be refurbished or re-erected for use long into the future. (more…)