U.S. Forest service released a research report in October which said using wood in building products resulted fewer greenhouse gases than other common building materials, such as concrete and steel.

According to the study, 2.1 tons of greenhouse gases were saved for each ton of carbon in wood products versus nonwood materials.

Also, the Forest Service study found that developing wood products from small-diameter trees, dead trees and brush contributes income to land managers to treat ecosystems which are damaged by fire and obtrusive species, helping to promote a healthful environment and a strong economy.

David Cleaves, the Forest Service climate change adviser said trees removed in an environmentally responsible way would allow forests to continue to cut off  carbon through new forest growth. Wood products continue to benefit the environment by storing carbon long after the building has been constructed.

The net greenhouse gas emissions of wood-based homes were 20 percent to 50 percent lower than for homes built with concrete or steel the report also found.

From the U.S. Forest service's report, it is clear that wood should be the major part of Korean building and energy design. It is difficult to find new wood based structures in major area of Seoul. Concrete and steel are still primary materials for the newly built or on-going major building construction. To consider the benefits and effects on the environment, government should come up with the incentives that land developers and private home owners would yield to wood usage.