The provincial government of British Columbia (B.C.) owns the company known as Canadian Wood, officially named Forestry Innovation Consultation Pvt Ltd (FII India) and recently hosted a seminar on “Building with Sustainable and Certified Canadian Wood” at CEPT University, Ahmedabad. The university gathered an audience primarily comprising the architectural community, faculty members from architectural colleges, and some notable architects from the industry. It provided useful information and insights into the benefits and uses of sustainably sourced Canadian wood. The seminar also hosted presentations by industry experts and interactive sessions that emphasized the varied usage and environmental benefits of Canadian wood species and how they promote sustainable practices in the industry.
The highly regarded Canadian Wood team comprising Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director, Canadian Wood, Jimmy Thomas, Assistant Director – Technical Services of Canadian Wood, and Gajanan Patankar, Assistant Director – Business Development, Canadian Wood, gave presentations in the seminar. Furthermore, industry expert Vivekabhilash Sharma, Artius Interior Products, shared his valuable insights and experiences on building with wood in India.
Highlights of the Canadian Wood seminar at CEPT University, Ahmedabad
The seminar began with an opening address by Pranesh Chhibber. He talked about the importance of sustainable practices in the wood industry and Canadian Wood’s dedication to promoting environmentally friendly and versatile wood solutions. After his speech, Jimmy Thomas took the stage and discussed in detail the technical aspects and environmental benefits of using certified wood species in the building and design industry. Gajanan Patnakar also presented case studies that show the adaptability of Canadian Wood in different architectural and design contexts.
Vivekabhilash Sharma, Artius Interior Products, a well-known name in the industry, shared his experiences on the practical use of sustainable wood in interior design and construction. He also showed some important projects completed in India as examples. The visitors got a chance to be a part of interactive Q&A sessions, discover the distinctive features and benefits of various Canadian Wood species, and establish networks with industry professionals to exchange views and opinions and also form future partnerships.
Insights on the seminar by Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director, Canadian Wood
He was delighted to see the turnout at the Ahmedabad seminar. Further, he added that he was pleasantly surprised to see such an informed and diverse audience of professors, students, and professional architects. He further added that it is always wonderful to be a part of meaningful conversations with professionals who are passionate about sustainable practices in the wood industry. He concluded by stating that Canada leads the wood certification industry and that every species of Canadian wood exported comes from sustainably managed, harvested, and certified forests.
Vivekabhilash Sharma, Artius Products also gave his views on the seminar
He felt elated to participate in such an amazing event. Further, he praised the company’s efforts and its passion for wood. He further added that it is going to be the material of the future. He also said that the cost of wood may challenge commercial construction, but builders find its utility unmatched in home building because it is a highly personal and emotional investment. Lastly, he expressed his delight and said that meeting and educating future industry leaders about the value of building with certified, sustainable wood is very rewarding.
About Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (Canadian Wood)
FII mainly promotes five major wood species in India, all sourced from the sustainably managed forests of B.C., Canada. These include Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF). They suit various applications and are available in 17 cities across India through a robust network of more than 29 stockists.
It is a crown corporation of the government of British Columbia (B.C.), the westernmost province of Canada. Its mandate is to promote wood products from B.C. Canada in the overseas markets and to strengthen its position as a global supplier of high-quality, environmentally responsible wood products from sustainably managed forests by creating awareness, and spreading education through information and technical support on the various timber products available from B.C. Canada. Its brand/logo Canadian Wood was established in 2013 to ensure that its target audience easily understands its activities.
Seminar on ‘Canadian Wood - The Sustainable Solution for the Architectural Fraternity’ held in Indore
The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII In