This course offers detailed information about modern Redwood timberland management approaches that contribute to the species’ long-term sustainability as a building material.

The course also provides insight into how third-party certification helps the Redwood industry communicate environmental stewardship.

The course details how wood is created through the process of photosynthesis and how carbon is sequestered long-term in wood products, drawing a connection between sustainably sourced Redwood lumber products and the ability to achieve carbon-neutral standards.

Lastly, the course defines Redwood grades and performance characteristics and describes how these properties achieve building code acceptance..


Learning Objectives

  • Understand the climate and history of the Redwood region as well as how selective harvesting is used in the Redwood forests.
  • Understand how certification to Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C013133) standards ensures that Redwood timberlands are well-managed .
  • Understand the results of an updated Redwood lumber Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study and associated Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
  • Understand why Redwood is a “carbon smart” material as well as how it may contribute to biophilic design.
  • Understand building code requirements for durable and safe materials and how Redwood meets these requirements.
  • Explore case studies featuring extensive usage of Redwood.

Pre-requisite: None.