During a recent public hearing, East Lansing officials discussed proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance aimed at incentivizing sustainable building practices, particularly the use of mass timber in construction. The ordinance, identified as ordinance 1536, seeks to allow increased building heights and the addition of upper-floor residential units in certain business zones, alongside permitting mass timber production in industrial districts.

Key discussions highlighted the importance of mass timber as a sustainable building material, with experts noting its growing popularity and potential benefits for mental health and productivity. Sandra Lupien, director of the Mass Timber program at Michigan State University, emphasized that mass timber construction is not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable, particularly in Michigan, which is rich in forest resources. She pointed out that the state has seen a significant increase in demand for mass timber, with 50 projects currently in the pipeline.

Concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of mass timber practices, with some committee members referencing studies that question the environmental impact of increased timber demand. However, Lupien countered these concerns by explaining that sustainable forest management practices in the U.S. ensure that more wood is grown than harvested annually, thus supporting the sustainability of the industry.

The proposed ordinance includes a point system to encourage developers to adopt mass timber and other sustainable practices, with three points allocated for mass timber projects and two for achieving LEED Platinum certification. This distribution sparked debate among committee members about the balance of incentives, with some suggesting that as mass timber becomes more mainstream, the point system should be revisited.

The hearing concluded with a call for further consideration of stormwater management in new developments, highlighting the need for projects to manage their own stormwater on-site. This reflects a growing awareness of environmental challenges and the importance of integrating sustainable practices into urban planning.

Overall, the proposed amendments represent a significant step towards promoting sustainable construction in East Lansing, aligning with broader efforts to enhance environmental responsibility in urban development.