Ahmedabad: The British Columbia  provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd, popularly known as Canadian Wood, hosted an insightful educational seminar, titled ‘Canadian Wood – The Sustainable Solution’, in Ahmedabad. The event garnered immense success, drawing together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts who participated and shared their thoughts on the promising future of wood as a sustainable material in designs and its potential to redefine the architectural landscape.

As the world increasingly recognises the importance of sustainability in various industries, Canadian Wood took the initiative to delve into the critical intersection of wood and sustainability. This seminar shed light on how wood, a versatile and traditional material, can be harnessed sustainably to meet modern needs while safeguarding our environment. Setting the tone for the event, Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood delivered the opening address, focussing on the role and support Canadian wood offers in India to the industry with their technical expertise in choosing the right wood for their designs and projects.

Distinguished speakers and panellists were carefully selected to offer valuable insights and perspectives on the important topic of how wood can be designed for various applications and adapt to the environment.  While Sonke Hoof, representing Vastu Shilpa Sangath, shared experiences and vision for incorporating wood into eco-friendly architectural projects, Ar. Hiren Patel, founder of Hiren Patel Architects one of the most celebrated architects of India, brought a wealth of knowledge regarding innovative wood applications in sustainable building designs. Also, to support the topic Dr Jimmy Thomas also provided an in-depth insight on B.C. wood species their features and versatility to the audience.

Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, said, “We’re committed to sustainability, ensuring all our Canadian Wood is legally harvested and certified. With a range of 5 wood species for specific applications, we work closely with architects, developers, and industry stakeholders in Ahmedabad, exemplified by the ‘Black Perch’ project. Our team provides invaluable guidance from project inception to completion, offering expertise on wood types and grades. Through one-on-one conversations with architects and industry participants, we are actively fostering sustainable practices and raising awareness in Ahmedabad. Our mission is to continually contribute to the city’s evolving architectural landscape, one conscious choice at a time.”

Ar. Hiren Patel, founder of Hiren Patel Architects, said, “When considering construction materials, it is evident that wood, particularly Canadian Wood, surpasses alternatives like glass and steel due to its significantly lower carbon footprint. As an architect, I hold a deep appreciation for Canadian Wood, as it boasts forest certification, alleviating concerns that often arise when sourcing other non-certified timber. In addition to its sustainability, Canadian Wood exhibits a gentle and lighter aesthetic tone. In our current endeavour to craft a villa project in Ahmedabad, characterized by its lighter design sensibilities, Canadian Wood emerges as the unequivocal choice. Its eco-friendly attributes and elegant tonal qualities not only contribute to reducing our environmental impact but also assure a sense of ethical responsibility in our pursuit of architectural excellence.”

Ar. Sonke Hoof, from Vastu Shilpa Sangath, said, “In my architectural endeavor, exemplified by the ‘Black Perch’ project in Ahmedabad, I’ve chosen Yellow Cedar from Canadian Wood. This sustainable choice aligns with my commitment to certified materials, especially for tropical species like teak, whose sources are often undisclosed, with much now originating in Africa. Canadian Wood’s transparency and quality make it the top choice in my projects, ensuring both structural integrity and environmental responsibility while upholding the ethical standards that guide my architectural practice.”

FII largely promotes five wood species in India that are sourced from sustainably managed forests of B.C., Canada. These five species, namely Western hemlock, Douglas-fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar are recommended for different applications. They are available in 19 cities across India through a strong network of 34 stockists.