September 24, 2024
The SLB Q2 Report: Near-Term Investments + Long-Term Vision for Growing Demand For Lumber
The SLB published its Q2 2024 Report, revealing the impact of both near-term investments and long-term vision for growing demand and expanding markets for lumber. The SLB and its funded programs are balancing these efforts to ensure our industry remains strong today and thrives for generations to come.
Key Q2 highlights include:
- 463 MM BF of incremental demand generated in Q2 and nearly 1 BBF year-to-date, on pace to meet the 1.63 BBF annual goal.
- A new Think Wood video and webinar continue to educate architects, engineers, and developers on the benefits of wood in office construction, a sector with incremental volume potential of 345 million to 413 million board feet by 2035.
- WoodWorks has supported 169 school projects since 2015, with a noticeable shift toward mass timber in recent years. The sector is off to a strong start in 2024, with 14 projects already underway, signaling continued growth and opportunity for the lumber industry.
- SLB Education expanded its faculty workshop initiative to hold five events in 2024. So far, 80 faculty members from 60 schools have participated, greatly enhancing their knowledge and enthusiasm for wood solutions.
- The AWC made significant progress at a recent International Code Council hearing, with 65% of lumber industry opportunities approved and 97% of threats to wood markets disapproved, modified, or withdrawn.
- The winners of the SLB-funded National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) Wood Solutions Scholarship were announced—an initiative set to increase exposure to wood design in structural engineering programs across the country and encourage future professionals to specify wood in their projects.
For more information, comprehensive program updates, and additional SLB news, explore the Q2 2024 Report below. We always welcome industry feedback, which can be sent to info@softwoodlumberboard.org.