Over the past year, as nations were forced into isolation, we were starkly reminded of the importance of protecting our environment and strengthening and promoting local economies. In both respects, the use of wood remains a sound choice.
As you may know, wood is a highly effective carbon sink. Whether in the form of simple 2x4s, glued-laminated timber, or CLT, the use of wood products in construction plays a meaningful role in environmental protection by sequestering millions of tonnes of carbon.
In Québec, approximately 60,000 people earn their living from the forest products industry, and the economies of some 200 towns and villages depend directly on it. Using wood therefore also helps stimulate the local economy—across the entire territory.
Each year, in our architectural and interior design practice, wood plays an important role. Last week, we learned that one of our projects was shortlisted for yet another Cecobois Excellence Award—if we win, it will be our eighth. That same week, I gave a lecture on light-frame wood construction to a group of some fifty students from Université Laval’s Department of Wood and Forest Sciences. At present, we have under construction or on our drawing boards four police stations, a fire station, an arena, a sports centre, a childcare centre (CPE), and several other projects featuring wood structures.
As a firm, we therefore take great pleasure—and a measure of pride—in using wood in our projects and actively promoting it. Through this simple gesture, we humbly contribute to protecting our environment and supporting the health of our local economy. In both of these areas, every small action matters.