Last week, NRMCA Vice President, Sustainability, Tien Peng joined local partner Oregon Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association (OCAPA) and testified before the Oregon House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on how local ready mixed concrete producers are thriving local businesses that support sustainability. In its testimony, NRMCA clarified the importance of life cycle perspective in buildings while supporting LEED as a credible rating system that focuses on all phases of a structure’s life while addressing other environmental impacts. The message delivered also addressed the growing interest in community resilience for the State of Oregon, a seismic, fire and tsunami risk region. Brad Moyes of KPFF Consulting Engineers and Dave Frentress of CalPortland also joined OCAPA President Rich Angstrom in the hearing, which was informational only and, as a result, without formal action taken.

"Wood First", which establishes a preference for wood as the material of choice for state building construction, has many supporters among Oregon legislators, Peng notes. As a result, NRMCA has directed its efforts at all levels to educate and inform decision-makers the true nature of material selection in buildings.

Background on the WoodFirst movement can be found on NRMCA Web site. If you see strong support for Wood First legislation in your area, please contact Tien Peng at tpeng@nrmca.org or 206-913-8535.