Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell spoke to the Oregon Legislature to support the introduction of Oregon's Wood First Bill yesterday afternoon.

Bell was invited to share the success of British Columbia's Wood First Act with the Oregon Legislature's House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Oregon State's Wood First Bill is modelled on B.C.'s Wood First Act that was implemented in October 2009. The Wood First Act requires wood to be considered as the primary building material in all new provincially funded buildings, in a manner consistent with the British Columbia building code. Considering wood first is an effective way to generate demand for wood products, while promoting climate-friendly construction and supporting forest-dependent communities.

If passed, Oregon's Wood First Bill will apply to buildings that are funded by the State on or after July 1, 2012.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell -

"Government on both sides of the border can lead by example by making wood its preferred choice for public buildings. With wood used in just 15 per cent of commercial and institutional construction - where wood is allowed - we have a major opportunity to expand the market for wood products."

Kelly McCloskey, executive director, WoodWorks US -

"Expanding the use of wood in state-funded buildings establishes Oregon's policy leadership in fighting climate change, creating economic prosperity, and building green sustainable buildings."

Quick Facts:

* Wood First requirements are now included in all new solicitations for provincial building contracts in British Columbia.

* In British Columbia, 33 local governments have already committed to the Wood First Act by passing a Wood First resolution, bylaw or policy that commits to wood first in municipally funded buildings.

* Changes to British Columbia's building code in 2009 to allow six-storey construction for wood-frame residential structures have resulted in at least 54 new projects (92 buildings) under design or construction using wood in five or six storeys.

* Wood is the only major building material that's renewable, sustainable, climate-friendly, lightweight, strong and cost-effective.

* Wood provides more value - in terms of its beauty, design flexibility and environmental attributes - for less cost than other major building materials, while meeting fire, safety and other code requirements.

* Wood is an excellent environmental choice for any new construction. It grows naturally, using solar energy. It's renewable and recyclable.

* Using wood can offset climate change through carbon sequestration.

* Every tonne of wood material used in construction saves about 5.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

* Wood products require the least amount of energy to manufacture, leaving a lighter carbon footprint.

Learn More:

About creating a culture of wood:

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/woodfirst/

About wood first commitments:

http://www.wood-works.org/BC/Wood%20First%20Act/Resolutions?Language=EN

Contact:

Cheekwan Ho

Public Affairs Officer

250 387-4592

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect