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New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston

Codes and Standards

New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston

City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | October 11, 2021
Boston

Courtesy Pixabay

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) recently launched the Mass Timber Accelerator to promote the use of mass timber by the local building industry.

The program will provide technical support and award up to ten $25,000 grants for development projects in the early phases of planning. “The expansion of mass timber construction practices is a critical step to reaching zero net carbon building and zoning standards,” according to a BPDA news release.

The program includes the Think Wood Mobile Tour, a traveling visual exhibit showcasing the environmental and economic benefits of wood products and their current and future use in commercial, multifamily, and residential construction. It features a variety of interactive elements including building models ranging from single family homes to tall wood structures.

The Accelerator initiative will help Boston reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, the release says.

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