On September 13, 2023, a notable seminar was organised by Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), widely known as Canadian Wood, in Ahmedabad. The seminar had a specific theme, namely ‘Canadian Wood – The Sustainable Solution.’ This thematic focus was maintained throughout the event, and it achieved considerable success. Moreover, this seminar in Ahmedabad managed to bring together industry leaders, experts, renowned architects and enthusiasts who actively participated. Their participation was characterised by exchanging perspectives on wood’s promising role in sustainability within design. Furthermore, they discussed its capacity to reshape the architectural landscape.
Empowering sustainability through wood
In a world that is progressively acknowledging the significance of sustainability across multiple industries, Canadian Wood has taken a proactive stance in exploring the vital intersection of wood and sustainability. This seminar held in Ahmedabad, illuminated the potential of wood. It states that wood is a versatile and time-honoured material, to be harnessed sustainably, addressing contemporary demands while preserving our environment. To kickstart the event, Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, the Country Director of Canadian Wood, delivered the opening address. Moreover, he emphasized Canadian Wood’s role and commitment to supporting the Indian industry by providing technical expertise in selecting the appropriate wood for their designs and projects.
The organisers meticulously curated a lineup of distinguished speakers and panelists. Each of them was carefully chosen to offer invaluable insights as well as perspectives. They focused on the crucial subject of designing wood for diverse applications while aligning with environmental considerations. Additionally, Sonke Hoof, representing Vastu Shilpa Sangath, shared his experiences and visionary approach to incorporating wood into eco-friendly architectural projects.
Moreover, Ar. Hiren Patel is the founder of Hiren Patel Architects, a highly respected architectural firm in India. He has significantly contributed to the field of sustainable building design. He achieved this by sharing his extensive knowledge as well as expertise in innovative wood applications. Additionally, Dr. Jimmy Thomas provided a comprehensive understanding of B.C. wood species, highlighting their distinctive features and versatility for the audience’s benefit.
At the wood seminar in Ahmedabad, Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director, 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.”
Appreciating Canadian Wood at the seminar in Ahmedabad, Ar. Hiren Patel, Founder, 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 often remain undisclosed, with much now originating in Africa. Canadian Wood’s transparency and quality make it the top choice in my projects. It ensures both structural integrity and environmental responsibility while upholding the ethical standards that guide my architectural practice.”
FII promotes five wood species in India 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. Moreover, they are available in 19 cities across India through a strong network of 34 stockists.
About Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (Canadian Wood)
FII India is a crown corporation of the government of British Columbia (B.C.), the western most province of Canada. Its mandate is to promote wood products from B.C. Canada in the offshore markets. Also, it aims to position it as a global supplier of quality, environmentally responsible wood products from sustainably managed forests by creating awareness, spreading education through information and technical support on the wide variety of timber products available from B.C. Canada. Its brand/logo Canadian Wood was established in 2013. Its aim is to reach out to the ease of understanding of its activities by its target audience globally.
For any further inquiries, contact Arif Moosa at:
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