Canadian Wood Hosts Seminar on Sustainable Timber in Ahmedabad
- June 16, 2025
- By: Editorial Team
- NEWS
In an effort to encourage green building practices, Canadian Wood organised an energetic seminar "Wood – A Sustainable and Renewable Material" at Courtyard by Marriott in Ahmedabad. The seminar drew an eclectic gathering of industry's leading architects, developers, manufacturers, and designers—all bound by their passion for sustainability and innovation in the built environment.
The seminar began with a perceptive lecture by Gajanan Patankar of Canadian Wood, who presented the environmentally friendly forestry practices adopted in British Columbia, Canada. He explained the adaptability and eco-friendly aspects of B.C. wood species, paving the way for a more profound understanding of their uses in India's changing architecture and design industries.
Providing an inspirational design insight, architect Ujjaval Parekh, Principal at Reasoning Instincts Architecture Studio, presented examples of his own practice. His nuanced presentation highlighted the role of wood not just for creating beauty but also for improving health and sustainability in the built environment.
The peak of the event was a thought-stirring panel discussion led by Dr. Jimmy Thomas of Canadian Wood. The discussion touched on the multi-faceted benefits of timber—from low carbon emissions and renewability to design versatility and strength. Leading the panel, Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director, Canadian Wood India, was impassioned about the necessity to adopt sustainable materials as the Indian construction sector gains momentum.
Accompanying him were noted panellists Vishwas Sonigara, Managing Director at Vittaazio; Devdatt Pandya, Principal Architect at Studio 919; Sharvil Shridhar, Promoter & Director at A Shridhar Group; and Rama Krishna Rao, Head of Design at the National Institute of Design. They all contributed to differing experiences from their respective domains, generating an engaging discussion of the place of wood in future-looking construction.
Addressing the forum, Pranesh Chhibber remarked, “With India's woodworking and construction industries booming, we must enable materials that are sustainable, renewable, and provide long-term performance. Canadian wood species, when responsibly sourced, are not just green but also help to elevate the quality and efficiency of design projects overall.”
The seminar was also an open forum in which the audience interacted with the speakers, posed questions, and contributed their experiences. The spirit of cooperation reinforced a common industry sentiment—sustainability is no longer an option, but rather a requirement.
Canadian Wood, the Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) Crown agency of the British Columbia Government's brand, remains actively involved in India through educational programs, technical partnerships, and market engagement. Its experts provide industry professionals with expert advice on the application of certified Canadian wood species in furniture production, interiors, and structural uses.
