551 North Pleasant Street
Amherst
MA
Cross Laminated Timbers (CLT) are the hottest innovation in wood products and building construction in decades. Often called “plywood on steroids”, cross laminated timber panels are being used in innovative buildings around the U.S. and the world, showing potential to make buildings more sustainable and more affordable, and use a lot more wood. The new Design Building at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst was recently completed highlighting the use and potential of CLT construction.
But can these new innovations become a major market for wood grown and harvested in New England? New England Forestry Foundation with help from the U.S. Forest Service, has had researchers from the Finnish consulting firm Poyry Global investigate the potential for developing a cross laminated timber market in the Northeast.
On Wednesday April 5th there will be public presentations on the Poyry Global Study, a tour of the spectacular UMass Design Building, and a press conference by state officials, including Environmental & Energy Secretary Matthew Beaton and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, about the potential for a CLT industry in Massachusetts.
Schedule of Events
11 a.m. Press Conference
Presenters will include:
Matthew Beaton, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs
Jay Ash, Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development
12:15 – 12:45 pm Design Building Public Tour
Featuring CLT, glulam, and a wood-concrete composite floor structure, the just-opened Design Building serves as a demonstration of innovative wood construction technologies
12:45 – 2 p.m. Presentation of Poyry Global Study
The Povry Global Study includes analysis of current and future potential CLT demand, descriptions of the current supply chain availability and costs, the potential for investment in CLT mills in New England, information about suitable wood species, and policy suggestions for development of CLT markets.
To attend the presentations, please RSVP by Monday, April 3rd, to: nknobloch@newenglandforestry.org
Parking should be available at the Campus Center garage nearby.