According to a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) press release on Wednesday, a new initiative was launched, designed to spur interest in designing and building with mass timber.

The DNR states that mass timber is sustainable, large, engineered wood beams and panels used to create a range of buildings, which include skyscrapers.

“As we see more mass timber buildings go up across the state, it’s clear that mass timber can become an integral and important part of Michigan’s forest products economy, which generates more than $26 billion annually,” Sandra Lupien, director of MassTimber@MSU at Michigan State University, said in the release.

According to the release, the Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program will encourage mass timber construction with cash awards, technical assistance, and a peer-learning community to help work through challenges commonly faced by early adopters.

Although mass timber is not yet produced in Michigan, the DNR states that construction using mass timber has grown in the state. With an increased demand, combined with Michigan’s forest resources and forest products economy, the department believes that there is “significant potential” for mass timber manufacturing in Michigan.

The DNR cites a study by MSU that reports a manufacturing facility producing 100,000 cubic meters of mass timber could generate more than $300 million/year to the state’s gross domestic product.

According to the release, mass timber aligns with state priorities. Mass timber systems are often prefabricated, resulting in faster construction. They are made from renewable materials, so the DNR states that mass timber offers sustainability benefits, “while also providing structural strength and fire resistance.”

“From getting people housed faster in healthier, more sustainable buildings, to spurring economic development in our rural forested communities, there are so many reasons to advance mass timber construction,” Lupien said in the release. “We are excited for the Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program to help bring those benefits to more Michiganders.”

The DNR states that examples of mass timber projects across the state include the STEM Teaching and Learning building on the Michigan State University campus, DNR customer service center in Newberry, among other projects across the state.

“The DNR is committed to promoting the use of mass timber in Michigan as a sustainable building choice,” Patrick Mohney, senior lands program manager in the DNR’s Office of Public Lands, said in the release. “Our customer service center in Newberry is the first mass timber building in the state to be built out of panels made with locally sourced wood. We are encouraging growth of manufacturing capability here in Michigan.”

Cheri Holman, executive director of the Michigan Green Building Collaborative, stated in the release that mass timber represents innovation that “aligns perfectly with Michigan’s vision for a more sustainable, resilient built environment.”

“By advancing this technology, we’re not only reducing the carbon footprint of our buildings but also strengthening local economies and reimagining what’s possible for design and construction in our state,” she added in the release.