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 REGULATORY NEWS
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Is EUI Better Than LEED?
The construction industry needs a better way to measure building efficiency, says an executive vice president of James Construction. He notes that standards such as LEED measure design strategy, and may not go far enough to account for operations efficiency after construction. The proposed Energy Use Intensity system measures efficiency every year and provides a benchmark for the entire building and its systems.
Source: Building Design + Construction, January 25, 2017.
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ECONOMIC TRENDS
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Hardwood Plywood And Flooring Imports From China Maintain Share
Year-to-date hardwood plywood imports from China are $143.8 million, 2% higher than in November 2015. China's market share of imports of hardwood plywood is holding steady at 58%. While flooring panel imports from China fell 20% in November, China still accounts for over 40% of all U.S. engineered flooring imports.
Source: Tropical Timber Market Report, January 16-31; ITTO, January 15-31, 2017.
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U.S. Furniture Imports Hit High
U.S. wood furniture imports increased 8% in November to $1.53 billion, the highest level since the recession. Imports of wood bedroom furniture showed the strongest monthly growth. As a region, Asia grabbed the largest share of the household furniture and kitchen cabinet manufacturing market in 2016 at 38%, followed by the Americas with 36% market share and Europe with 22%.
Source: Tropical Timber Market Report, January 16-31; ITTO, January 15-31, 2017.
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RTA Furniture And Cabinets Gain Traction
Ready-to-assemble furniture is gaining traction among homeowners and renters throughout the world. This is primarily because RTA furniture is comparatively inexpensive and can be used to quickly furnish a home or rental unit. RTA furniture is also easier to manufacture, as it eliminates the time and cost of assembly, and its flat packs are easier to ship.
Source: PR Newswire, January 24, 2017.
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
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Illegal Timber Risks Updated
Of the 176 countries and territories in the newly released 2016 corruption index, more than two-thirds failed to pass the midpoint. The scale measures the risk of illegal timber, from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The global average score is 43, a level that indicates endemic corruption in a country's government. A score of 49 or below means the country will be considered as "unspecified risk" (i.e., high risk). A score of 50 or above, if combined with low-risk results from other indicators, means the country can be placed in the low-risk category.
Source: NEPCon, January 25, 2017.
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Forests Are Part Of The Solution To Climate Change
"It is imperative ... to support sustainable forest management and the increased use of wood to replace fossil-based materials," says Emma Berglund, Secretary General of CEPF. Members underlined the importance of "not only focusing on afforestation but also recognizing and promoting the contribution of active forest management and wood products as carbon sinks" and emphasized that "forest management is based on long-term perspectives and the growing cycle of forests exceeds the timeline of climate policy."
Source: Fordaq, January 26, 2017.
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NEWS BRIEFS
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84 Lumber Airs Controversial Ad
The Super Bowl commercial features a mother and daughter making a treacherous journey to the U.S., presumably from Mexico.
Source: Construction Dive, February 6, 2017. Photo © 84 Lumber Company.
Cal-OSHA Revises Wood Dust
Now out for public comment: the Cal-OSHA proposal to revise the wood dust workplace permissible exposure limit to 2 mg/m3, which a majority of the industry supports.
Source: HPVA®.
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Plywood Banned In Ohio
Ohio legislators mandated using clear plastic to cover windows of abandoned homes instead of plywood, for the sake of appearances. Plastic costs $100 per window; plywood less than $20.
Source: Woodworking Network, January 27, 2017.
2017 Design Trends Seniors, Boomers
Trends shift from developing facilities in rural areas to more urban areas and smaller spaces.
Source: Builder Online, February 2; Building Design + Construction, January 25, 2017.
Chinese Companies Take Over
Chinese companies are taking over timber in Vietnam, due to the decision to close natural forests in China in 2017. Vietnam is the top destination of over 500 foreign-invested businesses.
Source: Fordaq, January 27, 2017.
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Myanmar Timber Exports May Fall
Beginning in May, the only timber that can be exported from Myanmar is that sold by state-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise.
Source: Fordaq, January 26, 2017.
Chile Forest Fires A "Disaster"
Declared "the biggest forestry disaster in our history" after burning 500 square miles, 48 of the 150 fires are still active.
Source: Timberbiz, January 25, 2017.
Zambia Suspends Export Of Logs
Only processed or sawn timber can be exported.
Source: Coastweek, February 3, 2017.
IPPS To Be Held In Wales
The International Panel Products Symposium will be held October 4-5 in Liandudno.
Source: Wood Based Panels International, January 23, 2017.
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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.
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