Shanghai chooses BC roof system

British Columbia’s timber industry will benefit from the renovation of 10,000 city apartment buildings in Shanghai in the lead-up to the World Expo 2010 in the city.

The Shanghai government has approved a roof system designed by Chinese officials in collaboration with British Columbia Forestry Innovation Investment which provided engineering assistance, access to BC lumber and demonstration sites.

“Shanghai officials have recognised that building with wood is cost-effective, energy-efficient and good for the environment,” said Canada’s forests and range minister Pat Bell.

Over the past five years BC has targeted China as a major growth market for forest products, and the efforts are paying off. Ida Chong, China’s minister of small business, technology and economic development, described the Canadian province as China’s “leading supplier of high-quality lumber and wood products”.

BC timber truss roofing systems are already being used on projects in Qingdao and Nanjing City.