The Canadian real estate sector is experiencing a renaissance of wood as a preferred building material, driven by its sustainable properties and the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The Canadian Wood Construction Research Network (CWCRN) is at the forefront, advancing the use of wood in construction through innovative research areas that include seismic performance, fire resistance of mass timber assemblies, durability and long-term performance of wood products, and the energy efficiency and carbon footprint of wood-based building systems.
Significant investments in wood infrastructure, such as the Duchesnay Creek Bridge replacement—a collaboration between the Nipissing First Nation and Miller Paving—exemplify this trend. Supported by federal funding and designed to maintain the original timber aesthetic, the bridge’s construction not only provided local employment and training but also achieved a substantial carbon benefit, equivalent to removing over 190 cars from the road for a year.
The Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program encourages the use of wood in non-traditional construction projects, such as tall and low-rise non-residential buildings and bridges. This initiative is part of Canada’s effort to achieve its 2030 climate change goals by promoting sustainable building practices using Canadian wood products, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and establishing the country as a world leader in timber construction systems and technologies.
These efforts illustrate a growing trend in Canadian real estate to embrace wood not only for its aesthetic and traditional value but also as a smart solution to the pressing challenges of sustainability and climate resilience in the built environment.
Be First to Comment