Today’s consumers are savvier about the environmental repercussions of their buying habits and are demanding to know where their goods come from and how they are manufactured. Companies, organizations, and entire industries must be conscious of the impact their supply chains, manufacturing processes, and working conditions are having on all aspects of society, including economic, environmental, and social. One example of an industry that has taken great strides over the past generation to transform their industry is lumber. They have improved their environmental performance, the sustainability of forest management and milling operations, and the use of forest fiber.

This course will examine the Western Red Cedar lumber industry, including the environmental benefits of Western Red Cedar versus alternative building products, Environmental Product Declarations available for the material, and case studies where it was used in various commercial applications.


Learning Objectives

  • Examine how consumers and businesses are increasingly making choices based on the environmental impact of goods and materials.
  • Describe the environmental benefits of Western Red cedar.
  • Review how Western Red cedar is harvested and Environmental Product Declarations that trace the life cycle of Western Red cedar siding, decking, and timber products.
  • Explore case studies where Western Red cedar was used in various commercial applications, including three sustainable design projects.

Pre-Requisite: Basic knowledge of wood construction.