27-10-2021 - International Wood Manifesto to be launched prior to COP26

An 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 28th October on the eve of the COP 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.
Commenting on the manifesto Sampsa Auvinen, Chair of CEI-Bois said, “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”.
The EOS President, Herbert Joebstl added, “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. Building with wood is one part of a sustainable forest sector growth strategy that can help the building sector reduce its carbon footprint”.
 Australian Forest Products Association CEO, Ross Hampton noted, “The UN’s own science has found that timber sourced from sustainably managed forests makes the greatest impact, mitigating carbon.”
 “A sustainable forest management strategy aimed at maintaining or increasing forest carbon stocks, while producing an annual sustained yield of timber, fibre or energy from the forest, will generate the largest sustained mitigation benefit.”  IPCC 4th Assessment
 The Wood Manifesto launch will take place on 28th October 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. You can sign up to attend virtually here.
 Further information: Paul Brannen, Director of Public Affairs, CEI-Bois & EOS  +44 (0) 787 856 5406.