|
|
|
|
 ASSOCIATION NEWS
|
|
Last Chance To Register For The HPVA® Spring Conference!
It's not too late! Register today for the HPVA® Spring Conference and 95th Annual Meeting Sunday, May 15 - Tuesday, May 17. Don't miss your chance to hear how new technologies, the economy, and changes in our industry will affect your business. Looking to meet new customers or vendors, or to reconnect with colleagues? See the list of who's coming as well as the list of our generous sponsors. Let the good times roll!
|
|
|
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
|
|
|
Is Biomass Carbon Neutral?
Amendments to the new, comprehensive energy bill make it clear: biomass is a carbon-neutral, renewable energy source. The bill, recently passed by the Senate, reflects the shared views of key legislators and the forest products industry. However, not everyone is in agreement. The EPA punted on the question. Some environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth, oppose the bill. The scientific community is split. Recently, 65 scientists signed a letter opposing carbon neutrality; in 2014, more than 100 scientists argued for carbon neutrality to the EPA.
Source: E & E Publishing, April 21, 2016.
|
|
Sudden Oak Death "Unstoppable"
“Sudden oak death” continues to ravage forests along the California coast, killing millions of oaks and tanoaks. First detected in 1995, researchers say that eradication is no longer possible. The disease tears through forests, killing some trees while leaving others unharmed. Some tree trunks crack, creating cankers that bleed sap. The disease, caused by mold, is related to the cause of the Irish potato famine in the 1800s.
Source: NASF, May 5; see video at The Washington Post, May 2, 2016.
|
|
|
INNOVATION
|
|
|
Senate Supports Tall Wood Buildings
The newly-introduced Timber Innovation Act will accelerate research and development to construct more wood buildings in the U.S. The industry strongly supports this Senate bill that will fund research into innovative ways to use wood in the construction of buildings that are at least 7 stories tall. Senators Stabenow (D-MI) and Crapo (R-ID) introduced the bipartisan bill.
Source: U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, May 2, 2016. Photo © SHoP Architects, PC.
|
|
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
|
|
China Increases Active Support Of Manufacturers
Despite promises to curb excess capacity, China is ramping up efforts to keep unprofitable factories operating. The country’s overproduction of industrial goods has pushed down prices and crippled competitors, driving thousands of Americans out of jobs. Trade disputes, triggered by the resulting glut of materials, are on the rise. In Q1, U.S. agencies launched 7 new investigations into alleged dumping or government subsidies of Chinese goods.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2016.
|
|
|
HPVA® MEMBER news
|
|
|
NEWS BRIEFS
|
|
|
Housing Starts Rebound...
In states like Texas, housing inventory is at an “all-time low.” Experts predict that 2016 will be housing’s “best year in a decade.”
Source: Construction Dive, May 3; Construction Dive, May 2, 2016.
...While Affordability Drops
A recent survey showed that more than 33% of San Franciscans will leave the area because of rising housing costs.
Source: Construction Dive, May 4, 2016.
|
|
Ukraine Sells Irradiated Wood
Logging operations were discovered inside the Chernobyl exclusion area.
Source: Timberbiz, May 5, 2016.
PHOTOS: 2016 Wood Floor Winners
See incredible photos of the 2016 Wood Floor of the Year award winners.
Source: Hardwood Floors, April 28, 2016.
LIRA Shows Remodeling Growth
Expect strongly accelerating growth in home improvement and repair spending.
Source: Joint Center For Housing Studies of Harvard University, April 21, 2016.
Demand Up For Decorative Laminates
Global demand for decorative laminates is expected to rise 5.6% per year to 10.7 billion square meters by 2018.
Source: The Freedonia Group.
|
|
|
CLT Could Be Game Changer
Cross-laminated timber could change the game for the wood industry in Oregon. CLT panels are a renewable, sustainable and lightweight alternative to traditional building materials.
Source: Construction Dive, April 24, 2016.
Stockholm Builds 40-Story Wood Skyscraper
A new Stockholm skyscraper made entirely out of cross-laminated timber will be the city’s tallest building. The Trätoppen - "Tree Top" - will reach 436 feet.
Source: Building Design + Construction, April 29, 2016.
|
|
|
Send Us Your Company News, Ideas For Articles, And More
We are always looking for great stories, news about your company, and interesting multimedia. We also welcome feedback on this week's content and suggestions for topics you would like to see in upcoming HPVA® eNews. Email us at innovate@hpva.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
