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Sustainable Buildings, Sustainable Future

As the construction industry seeks environmentally responsible building solutions, understanding the sustainability of different materials becomes increasingly important. This publication examines why wood stands out as one of the most sustainable building materials available, offering both environmental benefits and high-performance structural capabilities.

This publication is designed for: architects, engineers, designers, builders, developers

This publication explains how wood products contribute to sustainability through carbon storage, efficient manufacturing processes, and energy-efficient building performance. The document also covers forest certification programs, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and how wood products align with green building rating systems.

Key sections include:

  • Forest certification

  • How wood products are naturally green

  • Formaldehyde

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) description and tools

  • Environmental product declarations

  • Environmental impact of wood compared to other building materials

  • Green building rating systems

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.

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