MikeB4: @tdgeek, ever seen a Lockwood home? I am living in one and does not have any dampness or water issues at all. The windows are dry winter and summer. They also exceed earthquake and wind standards.
Yes, as you now, I know what a Lockwood home is. But its not wood interior, and exterior and roof and wood windows. A friend has one, brick exterior, coloursteel roof. His doesnt have issues either. But a fully wooden house would change for the worse over time, just as weatherboards did, and Id never have a wooden roof.
However, yes there are many things that can be done, if anyone wanted to, but the powers that be dont seem to be going down that track. What they could be doing is what is planned for lower emission cars. penalise certain materials (that have a green equivalent) and give those penalties off the prices of green alternatives. I think thats a good idea. Its achievable.