Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are lining up behind a new bill that would promote the use of wood to construct tall buildings.
The Timber Innovation Act, which has the support of several lumber trade groups, was sponsored by members of both parties. The act would:
- Establish a performance driven research and development program for advancing tall wood building construction
- Authorize the Tall Wood Building Prize Competition through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Create federal grants to support state, local, university and private sector education, outreach, research and development, including education and assistance for architects and builders
- Authorize technical assistance from USDA, in cooperation with states, to provide education and technical assistance for mass timber applications
- Incentivize the retrofitting of existing timber facilities located in areas with high unemployment rates to spur job creation in rural areas.
Tall, wood frame buildings are gaining popularity in Canada and Europe, in particular. The concept is somewhat controversial, however, with some fire chiefs concerned about the structures’ safety in the event of fire.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017
NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards
It provides a strategy to leapfrog minimum code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2017
California bill would require purchase of low-carbon construction products
Contractors would have to source products based on greenhouse gas impact, not price, on state projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2017
New AIA contract document for facility support services released
Updated form intended to be used with owner-architect agreements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2017
NIBS, NBI issue guidance document to help communities achieve energy goals
Outcome-based codes compliance path looks at building’s actual performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2017
Underwriters Laboratories launches wellness certification
First certification program that verifies products’ compliance with the WELL Building Standard.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
Registration now open for Canada’s first Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) program
Standard is designed to be applicable across many types of new and existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
AIA releases new architect commissioning document
It will be used with the standard form for owner/consultant contracts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2017
ASHRAE releases new version of Thermal Comfort Standard
Update includes calculations from direct solar radiation.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2017
Drone users can now get instant authorization from FAA
Skyward offers app to receive permission for low altitude flights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2017
Real estate giant launches global tenant health and wellness certification initiative
Tishman Speyer will use Fitwel health certification system to guide building improvements.