On the Leading Edge

Attending trade shows provides incredible opportunities to learn about new products directly from the innovators who are bringing them to market. Recently, we had the privilege of exhibiting at the Greenbuild/Mass Timber+ Conference in Philadelphia, and the takeaways were eye-opening.

Greenbuild/Mass Timber+ is the world’s only international wood-based industrialized construction conference. It’s a showcase for sustainability-focused companies to bring out their latest tech and connect with others within the industry pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the green AEC realm. From giants like GAF to entrepreneurs with prototypes and dreams, Greenbuild always brings out interesting ideas.

Passionate About the Possibilities

We had a chance to speak with builders, architects, and others in the industry who are passionate about the possibilities that mass timber can bring. Large-scale timber projects are being planned and built across North America, both in commercial and residential multi-family, with more stories and greater square footage than before. Escalating the advantage of mass timber as a renewable resource is its ability to support wide interior spans, large windows, and its natural biophilic and aesthetic qualities.

There were many architectural students who attended the show, as well, and they had plenty of questions for us about our approach to mass timber and the types of projects we have supplied with beams, columns, and trusses. We agreed it was of enormous importance to reach these students of today who will become the professionals of tomorrow. Their exposure to the use of mass timber in their professional careers will drive this industry forward.

Sustainability is Key at Greenbuild/Mass Timber+

Every product marketed at Greenbuild/Mass Timber+ is intentional in its material usage and waste handling. With the continued rise of Building Information Modeling (BIM), precise fabrication and construction practices are leading to less waste in the manufacture of building components, which then contributes to using fewer resources. Flooring, walls, and ceilings are being created sustainably. Even stains and paints made with natural, eco-friendly ingredients are growing in prevalence.

The push to carbon neutrality is driving innovations across the construction industry and onto the worksite. Prefab components, like those we make at Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, enable efficiencies at the worksite, including fewer laborers, fewer running machines, and less time to assemble in place. Pollution and fuel use are cut as well, with timber weighing less than comparable steel beams to transport to the worksite. Plus, mass timber stores carbon in its fibers at a cellular level, sequestering CO2 during its growth as a tree and forever after as a mass timber component.

Building Momentum

But perhaps our biggest takeaway was just how much momentum there is within the mass timber and sustainable building sectors. From talking with our fellow exhibitors and dozens of visitors to our booth, we can feel the enthusiasm for building with timber is rising. And analysts agree – it’s predicted that the mass timber market will exceed $4 billion globally by 2030.

The industry is poised for rapid growth, driven by heightened environmental awareness, technological innovation, and consumer preferences. All of us within the sustainable AEC space can do our part to drive this growth. Let’s connect about how we can make your next project a sustainable enterprise that utilizes mass timber. Visit our website or call 717.288.2460 to start a conversation.