Mumbai: The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), popularly known as Canadian Wood, marked World Wood Day with an exclusive event held at the prestigious JIO World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Partnering with Building Material Report (BMR) publication, the event aimed to highlight the significance of wood as a sustainable material in modern architecture and design. The collaboration with BMR facilitated the gathering of esteemed architects, interior designers, and industry professionals to engage in insightful discussions and celebrate the versatility of wood. A panel discussion, titled ‘Wood as a Long-Term Sustainable Material’, was organised featuring prominent keynote speakers and esteemed panellists from the architecture and design community.

The event commenced with an inaugural address by Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, who set the tone for the day’s discussions and activities followed by Dr. Jimmy Thomas from Canadian Wood presented on ‘WoodInnovations’, shedding light on the latest advancements and innovations in wood technology and applications. He delved deeply into the company’s dedication to sourcing and manufacturing practices that endorse the sustainability of wood. Pravir Sethi, Founder of Studio Hinge and Mahesh Nilakh, Founder of Wiseart Design studio LLP also shared insightful presentations during the event.

The evening was concluded by a stellar panel discussion and the panel was moderated by Ar. Ketan Jawedekar from Studio K-7 and comprised esteemed professionals from various architectural backgrounds: Mr. Pranesh Chhibber representing Canadian Wood; Mr. Rajeev Mishra, JJ College of Architecture; Ar. Saleem Bhatri, CEPT; Ar. Qutub Mandivala, MQA Architects; Ar. Prashant Sutaria, PSA Architects; Ar. Gautam Bhasin, Inhabit Group; and Mr. Raju Paleja, Naman Instore.

The discussion highlighted the fact that wood’s inherent renewability, biodegradability, and low carbon footprint make it a preferred choice in modern construction. With responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices, wood is emerging as a cornerstone of eco-friendly design. Embracing wood not only fosters sustainability but also contributes to a greener and more resilient future.

Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, said, “Embracing the spirit of sustainability, Canadian Wood, collaborated with Building Material Report, convened a distinguished gathering to commemorate World Wood Day in Mumbai. Our exclusive event highlighted the pivotal role of wood in contemporary architecture and design, and showcased its enduring appeal as a sustainable material. Through insightful discussions and an esteemed panel from the architecture and design community reaffirmed wood’s position as a cornerstone of environmentally conscious construction. Together, we celebrate not only the versatility of wood but also our collective commitment to a greener future.”

The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities among industry leaders and enthusiasts. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, Canadian Wood reaffirmed its commitment to promoting wood as a sustainable and eco-friendly building material.

FII largely promotes five wood species in India that are sourced from the sustainably managed forests of B.C., Canada. These five species, namely Douglas, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), are recommended for different applications. They are available in 23 cities across India through a strong network of 40+ stockists.