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 06, 2026
A Message from Jim Chapman, Candidate for NAHB 2026 Third Vice ChairmanThe election for Third Vice Chairman will take place at the Leadership Council meeting during the 2026 International Builders' Show.
Feb 06, 2026
Learn About the 2024 IECC in Free Video Series for NAHB MembersNAHB is now offering members a free educational video series on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code. The videos break down key differences between the 2024 IECC and past editions, focusing on changes that improve usability and what they mean for construction costs.
Latest Economic News
Feb 06, 2026
The Size of the Housing Shortage: 2024 DataPersistently low homeowner and rental vacancy rates indicate that the U.S. housing market remains structurally undersupplied.
Feb 05, 2026
Job Openings Fall as Labor Market WeakensRunning counter to the data for the full economy, the count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry increased in December, per the delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from two years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.
Feb 04, 2026
Mortgage Rates Declined Despite Higher Treasury YieldsLong-term mortgage rates continued to decline in January. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.10% last month, 9 basis points (bps) lower than December. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate declined 4 bps to 5.44%. Compared to a year ago, the 30-year rate is lower by 86 bps. The 15-year rate is also lower by 72 bps.