10 Strategies to Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Homes
May 25, 2010Discover tactics that are guaranteed to work and won’t break the bank.
By Nigel F. Maynard
Let’s forget the green movement for a moment. The topic has exploded in the mainstream, but that growth has resulted in false claims and an unbelievable amount of greenwashing. The definition of what makes something green is subjective, making the issue as thorny as it is puzzling to consumers and builders alike. (more…)
Economist To Dealers: Your Recovery Will Take Time
May 21, 2010General rebound is under way, but housing’s recovery will trail, Mercer U. prof tells Florida dealers
By Craig Webb
The U.S. economy is emerging from its worst period since the 1930s, but housing’s recovery will trail other industries and its rebound depends on skirting several potential pitfalls, a Mercer University economics professor told Florida building material dealers. (more…)
How to Evaluate Green Products
May 21, 2010In this era of greenwashing, legal experts offer guidelines to researching product claims and protecting your business from litigation.
By Katy Tomasulo
Las Vegas, Jan. 22 – The number of products advertised as “green” has multiplied at a record pace in recent years. But while some are as eco-friendly as they say, others are dripping in greenwashing. So how can pros ensure they are selecting green building products that not only live up to their sustainability claims but also offer the expected performance of the products they are replacing? The key is good old-fashioned research, according to a panel of legal experts during the workshop “Green Building Products: Can They Perform as Promised?” at the International Builders’ Show. (more…)
The Case for Higher Single-Family Housing Starts
May 21, 2010An economist who specializes in the wood products industry explains why he believes most forecasts for housing starts are too low.
By Paul Jannke
The U.S. housing sector is in its worst downturn in more than 50 years. With five months of data in, single-family housing starts are poised to average just 370,000 units at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in the first half of 2009. This is far and away the lowest level in the 59-year history of the series. The question now is: Are we likely to stay at these levels and if so, for how long? (more…)
Lumber Certification Groups Battle for Recognition
May 21, 2010What do lingerie and groceries have to do with certified lumber? Take a look at the back of the latest Victoria’s Secret catalog or on the bottom of a paper bag from Safeway or Lucky’s, and you’ll see brand logos from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), respectively.
By Chris Wood
The competing lumber certification bodies – which certify working forest acreage, as well as the paper, pulp, fiber, and solid lumber goods derived from such forests – have always had a contentious relationship. But things are heating up in a brand battle that also includes certification standards under the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). (more…)
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