Retailers can show Wood Works

WWPA is also working with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a third party environmental auditing firrr, on studies comparing the environmental effects of western lumber with those of non-wood materials in like applications. Compared are wood and steel studs, wood and vinyl windows, wood and aluminum siding, and wood and concrete floor systems. The methodology, known as Life Cycle Assessment, quantifies and inventories the environmental burdens of products and systems over their lifetimes, from resource extraction through manufacturing and use to final disposal.

Preliminary results suggest "that western lumber is unique among the products we have tested in that its use can actually have a positive effect on the environment," said SCS president Dr. Stanley Rhodes. The results are currently undergoing site-specific verification and will be subjected to scientific peer review. Final results are expected early next year. WWPA will then receive an Environmental Report Card for western lumber and Certified Environmental Advantages repofts outlining the comparative advantages of wood.

WWPA member mills will begin producing lumber with awwPA/scS "trigger logo," designed to trigger customers and wood users to look for, or call for, the environmencal information that backs the product. Mills will likely include some pointof-sale explanatory information with deliveries. While details have yet to be ironed out, the launch of the retail tiein program is expected early next year, to coincide with the frst shipments of envirostanped lumber.

Other elements in the Wood Works program are already available. The flagship publication, C ln ic e s, pt ovides an in-depth look at timely environmen- tal issues and the role building materials play. A series of Environmental Background Information papers consists of Wood vs. Steel; Life Cycle Assessmcnt & Building Materials, md Write the Wrong in Environmental Claims for Steel. And a 16-question Environmental IQ Quiz aims to correct misconceptions about forests and wood products.

In an attempt to reach school children with a positive environmental message about wood, WWPA, with American Forest & Paper Association, American Plywood Association and Southem Forest hoducts Association, has produced a nine-minute video, called House. The video follows a tree out of the forest, through manufacturing and construction as it becomes a home. It winds up back in the forest where trees are being planted for future generations. House will be distributed to as many as 5,000 school districts nationwide for viewing by up to 30 million students and teachers over the next five years.

Two print advertisements are appearing in design and construction trade joumals. Can You Spot the Env ironme ntalist? stresses that everyone who uses wood is an environmentalist because the chosen material comes from a renewable resource, absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen as it grows, is energy-conservative, energy-efficient, bio-degradable, recyclable and reusable. Tltcy Don't Grow on Zrees responds to attempts by competing industries, particulady steel, to infringe on lumber's traditional markets. The headline, copy and prominent photograph of rolled metal remind that wood is the only commonly used building material from a renewable source.

For nore informuion on Wood Works progron, contact WWPA, Yeon Bldg., 522 SW 5th Ave., Portland, Or. 97204zI22; (503) 224-3930.