Podcast: Is Lumber the Best Building Product for the Environment?
On the latest episode of the NAHB podcast Housing Developments, NAHB CEO Jerry Howard and SVP of Communications & Public Affairs Paul Lopez welcome Jackson Morill, CEO of the American Wood Council, to discuss how building material choices can impact the environment and how wood might have an answer to climate change concerns. In the face of an ongoing lumber supply and price crisis, this unique message comes at a critical time as NAHB continues to press for lasting solutions regarding supply and trade with Canada, and the nation grapples with growing concerns about the changing environment.
Tune in to hear another perspective on the lumber issue and to learn more about the value and future of wood as a building material.
About the guest: Jackson Morill has more than 20 years of experience working on environmental issues, sustainability, industry standards and testing, and other issues as a lawyer and trade association representative. He previously served as president of the Composite Panel Association (CPA), which represents manufacturers of composite wood panels. Prior to CPA, he worked for the American Chemistry Council, practiced environmental law at Beveridge & Diamond, and served as an environmental law consultant at the World Bank.
Latest from NAHBNow
Feb 19, 2026
NAHB Announces 2025 Best in American Living Awards WinnersThe National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced the winners of the 2025 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) during the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando. The awards are sponsored by Smeg.
Feb 19, 2026
NAHB Honors the Industry’s Top Achievements at The NationalsThe National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) honored top achievements in residential real estate sales, marketing, individual achievement and global excellence at The Nationalsâ„ Awards Gala (sponsored by Chase) during the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando. Awards were also presented for the 55+ housing, NAHB Honors and Global Innovation award categories.
Latest Economic News
Feb 19, 2026
Delinquency Rates Normalize While Credit Card and Student Loan Stress WorsensDelinquent consumer loans have steadily increased as pandemic distortions fade, returning broadly to pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 4.8% of outstanding household debt was delinquent at the end of 2025, 0.3 percentage points higher than the third quarter of 2025 and 1.2% higher from year-end 2024.
Feb 18, 2026
Overall Housing Starts Inch Lower in 2025Despite a strong finish in December, single-family home building dipped in 2025 as persistent affordability challenges continued to weigh on the market.
Feb 18, 2026
How Housing Affordability Conditions Vary Across States and Metro AreasThe NAHB 2026 priced-out estimates show that the housing affordability challenge is widespread across the country. In 39 states and the District of Columbia, over 65% of households are priced out of the median-priced new home market. This indicates a significant disconnect between higher new home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and household incomes.