Big Builder Gives Certified Wood a Boost

The Turner Corporation has made a public commitment to “explore the use of sustainably harvested wood in its construction projects,” according to a November 18, 1997 announcement. Responding to an initiative from the Certified Forest Products Council, Turner has joined the approximately 140 members of the Council’s Certified Wood Buyers Group. With $3.3 billion in non-residential construction completed in 1996, The Turner Corporation is the nation’s largest builder, operating through the Turner Construction Company and other subsidiaries.

As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and active participant in other initiatives, Turner has been at the forefront of environmentally responsible construction activities for several years through its “Sustainable Construction” program. Recent work on the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Washington, D.C. headquarters gave the firm experience with the use of certified wood.

The increasing supply of certified wood in the marketplace was a primary factor in convincing Turner to make this commitment, according to Ian Campbell, director of sustainable construction. Campbell emphasizes, however, that Turner is not limiting its options to certified wood, but merely committing to explore the possibility of using it when feasible. “We’re trying to find opportunities to make it work, because we recognize that it has value for some of our clients,” Campbell said.