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Builders, Forest and Paper Industry Share Concerns
 During a Jan. 12 address during the International Builders’ Show earlier this month in Orlando, Fla., Aubra Anthony, CEO of the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), called for closer cooperation between his organization and NAHB.
“Home builders are our largest market. As you go, so go we,” he told the Joint Executive, Budget and Resolutions Committee meeting.
AF&PA is the national trade association of the forest, pulp, paper, paperboard and wood products industry. It represents member companies engaged in growing, harvesting and processing wood and wood fiber; manufacturing pulp, paper and paperboard products from both virgin and recycled fiber; and producing engineered and traditional wood products.
“You suffer with us when unreasonable regulations lead to higher costs and plant closures,” said Anthony. “We have a shared goal of safe, decent and affordable housing for our fellow Americans. We are on a mission to lead our two associations to a much stronger alliance.”
Anthony said that he believes his association and NAHB can work together on such issues as the Endangered Species Act, tax policy, GSE reform, building codes and green building standards.
In particular, Anthony warned that the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System represents a threat to both industries.
“LEED discriminates against sustainable forest initiatives and it is headed for the residential market,” he said. “If they are successful in pushing the LEEDs brand, so much for the affordability part of the American dream.”
NAHB has developed its own voluntary and flexible green building criteria. The NAHB Green Home Building Guidelines address a wide range of green building issues, including site selection, resource efficiency, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, water conservation and home owner education.
For more information, e-mail Michael Strauss, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8252.
Photo by Oscar Einzig
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