The American Wood Council (AWC) is the industry’s signature program for the development of codes, standards and regulations, design tools, and guidelines for wood construction that allow for the appropriate and responsible manufacture and use of wood products.
This ensures that building codes and other standards and regulations remain receptive and favorable to wood. In support, the AWC develops and disseminates consensus standards, comprehensive technical guidelines, and tools for wood design and construction, as well as providing education on their application.
In the face of stiff competition in both residential and non-residential construction, AWC’s engineers and building and fire-code experts work to maintain and expand market opportunities for wood. The AWC led, with funding support from the SLB and U.S. Endowment for Forestry Communities, the successful industry effort seeking code recognition for taller mass timber buildings up to 18 stories.
The AWC is widely acknowledged as a highly credible source of information. It has a proven track record in engaging U.S. building and fire officials in understanding the structural and fire performance of the industry’s products, ensuring stability and growth in a code-regulated construction marketplace.
The SLB provides the AWC with funding to increase the industry’s capacity and capability in areas such as developing voluntary consensus standards, green building, energy, and driving broad acceptance of wood products.