Podcast: Is Lumber the Best Building Product for the Environment?

Material Costs
Published

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.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Advocacy | Environmental Issues

Dec 17, 2025

NAHB Weighs In on New WOTUS Rule

In November, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced a proposed updated definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), followed by a 45-day comment period to gather input on the proposed rule. NAHB members and HBA staff provided comments at three public sessions hosted by the agencies to solicit feedback.

Advocacy | Economics | IBS

Dec 17, 2025

Podcast: 2025 - The Year of Housing

On the latest episode of NAHB's podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez recap top events and priorities for the year, and what to expect for 2026, including the 2026 International Builders' Show in Orlando.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Dec 16, 2025

Job Market Shows Signs of Cooling in November

In November, job growth slowed, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, its highest level in four years. At the same time, job gains for the previous two months (August and September) were revised downward. The November’s jobs report indicates a cooling labor market as the economy heads into the final month of the year.

Economics

Dec 15, 2025

Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Ends the Year in Negative Territory

Builder confidence inched higher to end the year but still remains well into negative territory as builders continue to grapple with rising construction costs, tariff and economic uncertainty, and many potential buyers remaining on the sidelines due to affordability concerns.

Economics

Dec 11, 2025

Homeownership Rate Inches Up to 65.3%

The latest homeownership rate rose to 65.3% in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS).