International wood manifesto to publish prior to COP26

The ‘Growing our low-carbon future: time for timber international wood manifesto’, making the case to politicians for a much greater use of wood in both construction and renovation will be launched in London on Thursday October 28 on the eve of the COP26 in Glasgow. The manifesto aimed at helping preventing climate breakdown is a collaboration between the European wood industries and their colleagues in Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Australia.

“Wood is the only sustainable structural material that grows worldwide which can enable a substantial decarbonisation of the built environment based on existing business models and proven technology; providing vast carbon sinks in our rural areas and carbon stores in our cities,” said Sampsa Auvinen, chair of CEI-Bois.

“A significant number of Life Cycle Assessment studies have concluded that wood is a climate-friendly alternative compared to other building materials because not only is its production less carbon-intensive but it also locks up carbon for a long time,” added Herbert Joebstl, EOS president. “Building with wood is one part of a sustainable forest sector growth strategy that can help the building sector reduce its carbon footprint.”

“The UN’s own science has found that timber sourced from sustainably managed forests makes the greatest impact, mitigating carbon,” added Ross Hampton, Australian Forest Products Association CEO.

The launch will take place on October 28 at 11:45am UK time at the Royal Institute for British Architecture as part of a broader Built Environment Summit involving Architects Declare. Internationally leading engineered timber architect Andrew Waugh will launch the manifesto. To sign up to attend virtually, click here.

Further information: Paul Brannen, CEI-Bois and EOS director of public affairs on +44 (0) 787 856 5406.