The construction industry must build less, use more sustainable materials and ‘clean up” traditional materials to meet climate commitments. That is according to a UN report calling for a circular” approach to building materials, claiming the industry must substitute carbon-intensive building materials, like steel and concrete, for timber to save 40% of emissions by 2050.
By 2050, the UN estimates that more than 2/3rds of the world will live in cities, creating opportunities and threats for city planners, builders, developers, architects, engineers and builders as the world grapples with the effects of climate change.
Last week, Wood Central reported on a new concept by international design practice NBBJ, which claimed that timber hybrid construction systems were the key to building cities of the future, whilst in Sweden, Atrium Ljungberg is designing “Stockholm Wood City”, the world’s largest all timber city.
Now, a new webinar presented by PEFC International – the world’s largest forest certification scheme –Â will discuss with a panel of experts the opportunities and benefits of using timber to build the next generation of cities.
Moderated by PEFC International Head of Marketing Fabienne Sinclair, the December 6 webinar will discuss the use of advanced low-carbon construction materials in cities, the emergence of mass timber – specifically in the US – and the role of wood cities in restoring landscapes.
Introducing the Webinar Panel
Among the panel experts is Susan Jones, the founder of Seattle-based architecture practice Atelierjones. Ms Jones is at the forefront of the mass timber revolution gripping North America, and through her firm, she has delivered eight mass timber projects and designed twenty, from large-scale urban housing to urban infill housing, missing-middle housing to rural mass timber modular housing.Â
Joining Ms Jones is Aaron Kaplan, the director of the Eco-innovation Foundation. Mr Kaplan has been a significant driver in creating green profile city districts, focusing on the global opportunity of bio-based cities as drivers of landscape restoration and rural development.
Whilst Florian Steierer, an Economic Affairs Officer at UNECE/FAO, will discuss the development of low-carbon construction materials in future cities.Â
Following the webinar, participants will provided an opportunity to participate in an extensive question-and-answer session.
- For more information, visit PEFC International for registration details.
