The U.S. Forest Service wants people to start thinking of wood as the new green building material.

A report issued Thursday cites scientific studies that wood is more energy-efficient and results in lower emissions of greenhouse gases than other building materials, such as steel and concrete.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement wood should take a larger role in construction, because it has significant environmental benefits, promotes healthier forests, and provides jobs in rural areas.

The report recommends updating research on the environmental impacts of wood products versus other building materials, revising green building codes to recognize the advantages of wood, and conducting educational campaigns to build acceptance of wood as a green building material.

(COPYRIGHT 2011 BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)