Supporting the Development of Sustainable Buildings
In spring 2021, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law HB 355, which established a Sustainable Development Carbon Registry. The legislation provides incentive for developers to utilize products that sequester carbon, like wood, as a primary structural material. GFF is positioned to support the development of this policy within the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) by providing resources and expertise and ensuring the successful implementation of the legislation.
Why this matters: Globally, embodied carbon, or carbon emissions from building materials and construction, is responsible for 11% of annual GHG emissions and 28% of building sector emissions. The creation of a registry will allow the private sector to deliver wood-based solutions that address this challenge. The registry will incentivize developers to reduce or mitigate the carbon footprint of their buildings by using carbon-friendly construction materials.
→ UPDATE: On December 16, 2021, GFC appointed a technical advisory committee composed of architects, engineers, and Georgia building code specialists. GFF is proud to sponsor the involvement of Dr. Edie Sonne Hall, a nationally renowned carbon expert. The committee is formulating a methodology for calculating the carbon benefits of building with wood. On December 16, 2022, the committee finishes their work and the law will be written.
