Regional EPDs Respond to Consumer Demand

AWC released three of four regional Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for U.S. softwood lumber. The release marks the first time the U.S. industry has developed and published regional EPDs, as previous industry average EPDs have only been North American in scope. The newly released EPDs cover the Pacific Coast, the Inland Northwest, and the U.S. South regions, with a fourth North/Northeast EPD to be completed in early 2025.

The updated EPDs represent AWC and the wood products industry’s response to continued requests for more granular data. As consumers, regulators, and the Architect, Engineering and Construction community voiced their desire for specific, localized EPDs, AWC expanded its mill data collection platform to include more mills to ensure the industry met market demands and continued its commitment to radical transparency.

AWC staff also worked with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) staff to incorporate the Forest Inventory and Analysis Timber Product Output (TPO) survey into our Life Cycle Survey. This inclusion is a response to member feedback and helps minimize the amount of repetitive reporting asked of companies. While the TPO survey is included in our survey, USFS will only have access to the TPO-specific data, ensuring our members’ data is protected and confidential.