Wood for Gold is an initiative generated by the enthusiasm and commitment of the wood industry with the primary aim of ensuring maximum wood content in the construction of the London 2012 Olympics – creating a larger demand cake, from which the industry can access more and bigger portions.
The justifications for using more wood are compelling and unique. It is truly sustainable and renewable, with the lowest carbon footprint of any construction material, and is backed by stunning and innovative design, creative building techniques, certified and auditable procurement systems, robust supply chain and proven producer responsibility.
Through a steering group made up of executives from BWF, ConFor, TTF, TRADA and Wood for Good, and assisted by Bellenden Public Affairs, an extensive programme has already started to press the case for wood with the Olympic Delivery Authority, Greater London Authority and other key associated authorities. Significant cross-party governmental support has also been declared.
It is clear from discussions with key stakeholders that wood can provide solutions to those responsible for the delivery of the Games, contributing to their defined prerequisite sustainable outcomes.
The campaign is on behalf of the whole industry – that’s you – and it is carefully framed to influence specific key decision makers and bring about the overall weight of our case. To ensure maximum impact of your initiative, the steering group needs the robust support of all to echo the compelling case for wood. This needs to be achieved throughout the country, not just in the south-east of England. A supply chain group will be formed before the year end to focus on defining the more practical issues needed to maximise the access of wood and prefabricated structures to the site.
Our success will create a legacy for wood to be the preferred construction raw material for all future building in the developing ‘carbon aware’ culture in the UK.
