American Wood Council

American Wood Council (AWC) is a trade association representing the interests of the wood products industry in the United States. The organization focuses on promoting the sustainable use of wood as a building material, as well as advocating for public policies that support the growth and maintenance of the wood products market. AWC provides a wide range of resources and guidelines to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective use of wood in construction, including engineering standards, safety codes, and educational materials.

History

The American Wood Council has its roots in the early 20th century, evolving over the years to address the changing needs and challenges of the wood products industry. It has played a pivotal role in promoting wood as a renewable, eco-friendly building material, and in developing standards that ensure the safety and reliability of wood construction.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the AWC is to advocate for the use of wood as a sustainable and renewable building material, while also ensuring that wood products are utilized in a manner that is both environmentally responsible and economically viable. The council's activities include:

• Developing and disseminating building codes and standards for wood construction.
• Conducting research and providing education on the benefits and uses of wood products.
• Advocating for public policies that support the wood products industry.
• Collaborating with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to promote wood as a sustainable building material.

Building Codes and Standards

One of the key contributions of the AWC is the development of engineering standards and building codes specific to wood construction. These include the National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction, which provides guidelines for the design and construction of wood structures, and the Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for one- and two-family dwellings. The AWC also contributes to the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), ensuring that wood products are adequately represented in national construction standards.

Educational Resources

The AWC offers a variety of educational materials and resources aimed at architects, engineers, builders, and students. These resources include technical guides, software tools for design and analysis, webinars, and workshops. The goal is to promote understanding and proper use of wood in construction, highlighting its benefits as a sustainable, versatile, and cost-effective material.

Advocacy

Through its advocacy efforts, the AWC works to influence public policy in favor of the wood products industry. This includes lobbying for legislation that supports sustainable forestry practices, advocating for the inclusion of wood in green building standards, and working to ensure that regulatory policies reflect the latest science and technology related to wood construction.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

The American Wood Council is committed to promoting sustainable forestry practices and the use of wood as a green building material. The council supports the responsible management of forests to ensure that wood remains a renewable resource for future generations. AWC also emphasizes the environmental benefits of wood, such as its ability to store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as part of its advocacy and educational efforts.

See Also

• Sustainable forestry
• Green building
• Building code
• Renewable resource