LP Building Solutions: Our Part in the Future of Green Building

Green construction, which refers to the use of sustainable processes and materials during the building process, has increasingly influenced the building industry. By prioritizing research and development of sustainable building materials, companies have had the opportunity to help move the industry toward more environmentally friendly practices.

Dedicated to sustainability, LP Building Solutions continues to innovate and looks forward to Building a Better World™ through caring for the environment with durable wood solutions. Ongoing partnerships, consistent commitment to sustainable sourcing, and environmental management all reveal that LP will play a significant role in the future of green building.

Sustainable and Resilient Building Materials

Sustainability and resiliency go hand-in-hand when it comes to the building industry's future. Sustainability starts in the building industry with green manufacturing and renewable materials. But it can go even further when companies innovate to create building products that are more resilient. When builders use resilient products, the industry can help reduce waste and impact on the environment.

“I see resiliency as a key component in green construction and design,” says Jeff Yelle, Director, OSB/EWP Technology at LP Building Solutions. “When products are able to withstand greater challenges from the environment and weather events, this translates to less rebuilding and, in turn, less waste and less energy consumption.” The LP Structural Solutions product portfolio is a great example of materials designed for resiliency.

Other sustainable building materials must provide an answer for the same durability challenges, and that's where LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding comes in. With durability that comes from the innovative LP® SmartGuard® Process, it is one of the most durable siding options available.

For example, builders and homeowners alike are looking for sustainable  all-weather siding and ways to prevent hail damage to siding, among other environmental considerations. LP SmartSide siding is a great solution for these two needs. Sourced under strict Sustainable Forestry Initiative® standards and manufactured to resist hail up to 1,75 inches in diameter, its durability and sustainable sourcing creates an ideal combination. By designing products like LP SmartSide siding for durability LP can be part of fewer repairs, which lead to less waste and energy consumption.

As LP continues to ensure its engineered wood products are sourced sustainably, the company also continues to push for more resilient green building materials. “We are watching moisture and wind challenges closely,” says Craig Miles, Director, OSB Sales & Marketing, LP Building Solutions. “As part of that, we have launched LP WeatherLogic® Air & Water Barrier as a Structural I Rated Sheathing product to try to better stand up to both.”

As sustainable green building materials made from durable wood, the LP Structural Solutions portfolio of products all rely on engineered wood to deliver outstanding strength and resilience. They contribute to sustainable building as construction materials that are also proven to Defend Your Build® against anything that comes its way—from hail and high water to fire and heat. Explore our full suite of sustainable and resilient building solutions.

The Future of Green Construction

As LP moves forward, green construction will remain a key focus of innovation. "LP is poised to take the next step in fulfilling its promise as a solutions provider," says Miles. Along with the industry as a whole, Yelle points out, LP will "focus on sustainability and resiliency, as well as building solutions and designs that take energy efficiency and performance to the next level."

For example, sustainable materials and green building trends support building codes, and LP remains on the pulse of these changes, seeking to make meeting code easier for builders and architects, all while remaining dedicated to resilient design.

Additionally, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of our homes has taken on new meaning. "People are valuing their home more than as a financial asset," says Craig Sichling, VP, Specialty Sales & Marketing. "It's a place where you live, play and now work from. Space and comfort have moved up the priority list even at the expense of location."

With that in mind, green construction and innovation will become even more important as builders seek to create homes that serve as safe havens for their clients.

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