Although lumber is still the most commonly used framing material, there are several good alternatives that are more durable and longer lasting. Insulated Concrete Forms are strong, fire resistant, and offer superior insulation. Structural Insulated Panels are well insulated building panels that still use wood but cut down on waste because they are prefabricated for each job. Most steel framing has very high recycled content, and although steel is resource intensive it's incredibly durable and can be reused indefinitely. If you are going to use traditional stick framing look for sustainably harvested wood that's FSC certified or try reclaimed lumber from one of the below sources.
Lumber Framing (FSC and Reclaimed)
Heritage Salvage
(707) 762-6277 http://www.heritagesalvage.com/
Home Depot - All locations
http://www.homedepot.com/
Mead Clark Lumber Co.
(707) 576-3333 http://www.meadclark.com/
Progressive Foam Building Systems
(707) 251-9677
http://www.progressivefoam.com/
Radiant Barriers
Pacific Supply - All locations
http://www.pacificsupply.paccoast.com/
Steel Framing
Codding Steel Frame Solutions
(707) 665-0800
http://www.coddingsfs.com/
Alternative Building Concepts
(707) 538-5007
http://www.altbuild.com/
