The New European Bauhaus: wood sector sets out its stall

The European wood-based sector’s Wood Sector Alliance for the New European Bauhaus (Wood4Bauhaus.eu) has been initiated by several umbrella organisations: the InnovaWood EU network for wood research, innovation and education, the European Panel Federation (EPF), the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois), the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) and the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry (EOS).

In her call for a New European Bauhaus movement, EC President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that wood can play a key role in transforming the built environment into a carbon sink1.

Central to her thinking is Professor Hans-Joachim Schellnhuber of the Potsdam-Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, who has recently been named as an ambassador for the New European Bauhaus High-level Roundtable and who will deliver the keynote address of the first conference of the Wood4Bauhaus Alliance.

The conference aims to raise awareness of the transformative power of the circular economy and put a spotlight on the versatility of innovative wood-based products and building systems. It will propose dedicated co-creation partnerships with the wood sector for the New European Bauhaus.

“Wood and wood-based panel products are natural, sustainable and climate positive,” said Clive Pinnington, EPF managing director.

“They offer multiple benefits including energy efficient construction and innovative furniture materials and are therefore a perfect fit for the objectives of the New European Bauhaus”.

“The New European Bauhaus is a great opportunity for companies, researchers and students in the wood sector to become part of this transformative movement,” added Dr Uwe Kies, secretary-general of InnovaWood.

“Joining our forces and knowledge we can co-create climate-friendly solutions and literally build a more sustainable future for our cities and rural areas. We welcome all who wish to take this first step with us”.

Speakers include architects, designers, industry representatives, researchers and policymakers. For more information, the complete programme of the conference and registration please visit the conference website: wood4bauhaus.eu