The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act includes language that would encourage the U.S. Department of Defense to consider using mass timber construction on new building projects and renovations.
The bill, which recently received final passage in Congress, directs the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Agriculture to review the potential to incorporate “innovative wood products in constructing or renovating facilities owned or managed by the Department of Defense.” Congress also directed the secretaries to submit a follow-up report on the subject.
“Several military bases have already built hotels using mass timber after it passed rigorous blast testing,” according to a news release from the American Wood Council. “Further investigation into the use of innovative wood products will help jump start the use of low-carbon materials to support the military’s crucial and evolving mission.”
Several military bases have already built hotels using mass timber after it passed rigorous blast testing, the release says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2020
American Concrete Institute and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute expand partnership
Will collaborate on new code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2020
Wallcoverings industry releases product scorecards concerning sustainability
Tool adds more transparency to certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2020
Bay Area communities struggle with what to do about rising sea level
Policies include sea walls, levies, and relocation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2020
Cell phones present a safety hazard at job sites
Use of ear buds, headphones banned by some contractors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2020
American Concrete Institute releases 2020 codes, specifications, and practices
ACI Collection features guidance on structural concrete construction and rehabilitation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 25, 2020
New ISO standard for optimizing building use and reusing and recycling components released
Aim is to realize full potential value of a building throughout its life cycle.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2020
Architects push back on proposed uniform design mandate for federal architecture
AIA speaks out against measure.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2020
City-owned buildings to go carbon-free in Los Angeles
Mayor commits to goal for new and extensively renovated structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2020
Public is willing to volunteer to maintain green infrastructure
Perceived benefits make residents willing to help public works departments.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2020
Recent Dept. of Energy grants emphasize grid-interactive building technology
National labs, universities, businesses selected for total of $74 million in funding.