Resources

Research

Designing today’s school buildings demand economically and environmentally sustainable solutions that can simultaneously create safe and inspiring learning...

Research

Factsheets

BIM and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly for Mass Timber Construction

Wood is versatile, resilient and renewable, making it an excellent choice to build or renovate schools. It can be less expensive than other major building...

Factsheets

Research

BIM and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly for Mass Timber Construction

This report aims to build on the lessons learned from around the globe and in B.C. to promote and facilitate the deployment of BIM and DfMA in the context of...

Research

MEC Virtual Tour

Videos

MEC Virtual Tour

Planning for a new MEC head office began in 2008 when it became clear that the company was outgrowing its existing premises. In January 2012, the City of...

Videos

Brock Commons Tallwood House Virtual Tour

Videos

Brock Commons Tallwood House Virtual Tour

Brock Commons Tallwood House is an innovative tall wood student residence at the University of British Columbia (UBC). It is currently the tallest contemporary...

Videos

Samuel Brighouse Elementary Virtual Tour

Videos

Samuel Brighouse Elementary Virtual Tour

Samuel Brighouse Elementary School in Richmond is a great showcase for the use of British Columbia wood in public buildings. The award-winning school opened...

Videos

B.C. Wood Product Types & Tree Species

Factsheets

B.C. Wood Product Types & Tree Species

British Columbian companies manufacture a wide variety of wood products that meet any structural or finishing need, offering immense versatility, beauty and...

Factsheets

Procuring Innovation in Construction: A Review of Models, Processes and Practices

Research

Procuring Innovation in Construction: A Review of Models, Processes and Practices

Developers, local governments and construction officials alike can learn about how to increase innovation in construction. A recent report published by the...

Research

Tackle Climate Change, Use Wood Video

Videos

Tackle Climate Change, Use Wood Video

Today, more than ever before, we must find ways to reduce the pressure on our planet’s environment and finite resources. By choosing products with a light...

Videos

Embodied Carbon of Buildings and Infrastructure

Research

Embodied Carbon of Buildings and Infrastructure

Addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings and infrastructure is a key component of the global fight against climate change. In addition to the...

Research

Brock Commons Tallwood House - Chapter 3: Construction Process

Videos

Brock Commons Tallwood House - Chapter 3: Construction Process

Construction of the mass timber structure at the University of British Columbia’s Brock Commons Tallwood House took about nine weeks —two month ahead of...

Videos

Brock Commons Tallwood House - Chapter 2: Design Process

Videos

Brock Commons Tallwood House - Chapter 2: Design Process

The integrated design process for Brock Commons Tallwood House, an 18 storey mass timber hybrid student resident at the University of British Columbia,...

Videos

Brock Commons Tallwood House - Chapter 1: Overview

Videos

Brock Commons Tallwood House - Chapter 1: Overview

Brock Commons Tallwood House is a mass timber hybrid student residence at the University of British Columbia (UBC). At 18 storeys it is currently the tallest...

Videos

Brock Commons - Education Module

Education Modules

Brock Commons - Education Module

Construction of Brock Commons Tallwood House is now complete with many lessons learned. It is currently the tallest contemporary mass timber hybrid structures...

Education Modules

Brock Commons - Construction Modelling

Case Studies

Brock Commons - Construction Modelling

A unique feature of Brock Commons’ design and construction processes was the intensive use of virtual design and construction (VDC) tools and methods....

Case Studies

Brock Commons - Construction Overview

Case Studies

Brock Commons - Construction Overview

Brock Commons Tallwood House showcases innovations in the application of engineered wood products and in design and construction practices. Outcomes of the...

Case Studies

Comparing B.C. to the World: Forest Regulation and Certification

Research

Comparing B.C. to the World: Forest Regulation and Certification

British Columbia’s world-leading sustainable forest management is backed by rigorous laws and independent forest certification. This leadership was confirmed...

Research

Brock Commons Time Lapse

Videos

Brock Commons Time Lapse

Brock Commons Tallwood House is a mass timber hybrid student residence at the University of British Columbia (UBC), which at 18 storeys is the world’s tallest...

Videos

Wood in Design

Videos

Wood in Design

"Amber" is a design project started by two students at Emily Carr University of Art + Design that explores the emotional connections we have with wood and aims...

Videos

Brock Commons - Code Compliance

Case Studies

Brock Commons - Code Compliance

Brock Commons Tallwood House is one of the University’s five high-rise, mixed-use, residential complexes that provide housing for students while acting as...

Case Studies

Brock Commons - Design & Preconstruction Overview

Case Studies

Brock Commons - Design & Preconstruction Overview

The University of British Columbia is located on a forested peninsula on the west side of Vancouver. It is a community of academic, residential, commercial,...

Case Studies

Brock Commons - Design Modelling

Case Studies

Brock Commons - Design Modelling

During the design phase, Virtual Design and Construction modelling (VDC) was used primarily to assist in design development and decision making. The model was...

Case Studies

Brock Commons Storyboards

Factsheets

Brock Commons Storyboards

A comprehensive suite of storyboards featuring facts and information about the design and pre-construction of the Brock Commons building.

Factsheets

UBC Mass Timber Buildings

Factsheets

UBC Mass Timber Buildings

With the innovative use of mass timber in its academic and operational buildings, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is at the forefront of revitalizing...

Factsheets

Introduction to Brock Commons UBC Tall Wood Building

Videos

Introduction to Brock Commons UBC Tall Wood Building

Brock Commons Tallwood House is a mass timber hybrid student residence at the University of British Columbia (UBC), which at 18 storeys is the world’s tallest...

Videos

Brock Commons

Factsheets

Brock Commons

Brock Commons Tallwood House is an innovative tall wood student residence at the University of British Columbia (UBC). It is one of the tallest contemporary...

Factsheets

Tackle Climate Change Using Wood

Factsheets

Tackle Climate Change Using Wood

This graphic explains the carbon cycle of sustainable forest management and wood products. Growing forests absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. When...

Factsheets

Wood Use in 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Venues

Factsheets

Wood Use in 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Venues

The magic of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games may have ended when the torch was extinguished – but the legacy lives on through the spectacular wood...

Factsheets

Health and Wellbeing Module

Toolkits

Health and Wellbeing Module

Green building objectives are broader than just environmental effects, and have come to embrace human health issues as well, including performance. In the...

Toolkits

Red Alder Species Profile

Factsheets

Red Alder Species Profile

Red alder is the most plentiful hardwood on the Coast of British Columbia, though hardwoods make up only 5.4% of the province’s total growing stock. It is a...

Factsheets

Wood and Human Health

Videos

Wood and Human Health

Evidence-based design points to the use of wood construction, both as an interior and structural building material, to promote health and well-being in health...

Videos

Building Green with Wood

Videos

Building Green with Wood

With growing pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, building designers are increasingly being called upon to balance functionality...

Videos

CREE: Exemplary Model for Sustainability in Construction

Videos

CREE: Exemplary Model for Sustainability in Construction

Hubert Rhomberg discusses his experience of building the CREE LifeCycle Tower, an eight-storey building that was constructed in 8 days located in Austria....

Videos

Vancouver Convention Centre

Case Studies

Vancouver Convention Centre

The Vancouver Convention centre expansion was a 1.1 million-ft2 (100,000 m2) project that achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (leed®)...

Case Studies

Mid-Rise Construction in B.C. (Part 2 of 5)

Videos

Mid-Rise Construction in B.C. (Part 2 of 5)

Mid-rise construction (four to six storeys) is becoming increasingly popular as a means of boosting densification, containing urban sprawl, and respecting...

Videos

Tackle Climate Change, Use Wood

Factsheets

Tackle Climate Change, Use Wood

Highlights the environmental attributes of Canadian forest products and the achievements of the country's forest industry with respect to climate change.

Factsheets

Bringing the Outside In - Hillcrest Aquatic Centre

Videos

Bringing the Outside In - Hillcrest Aquatic Centre

The Hillcrest Aquatic Centre forms part of the new Riley Park Community Centre in Vancouver's Hillcrest Park. During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter...

Videos

British Columbia's Forest Diversity

Factsheets

British Columbia's Forest Diversity

British Columbia’s forests are a global treasure– from the dry ponderosa pine forests in the southern interior to the boreal forest in the northeast to the...

Factsheets

Key Elements of Green Design Module

Toolkits

Key Elements of Green Design Module

The ultimate goal of a green design is to achieve sustainability and open up new opportunities to design and build structures that use less energy, water and...

Toolkits

Mid-Rise Wood-Frame Residential Construction in B.C.

Case Studies

Mid-Rise Wood-Frame Residential Construction in B.C.

Since the 2009 change to the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) that increased the permissible height for wood frame residential buildings from four storeys...

Case Studies

Western Larch Species Profile

Factsheets

Western Larch Species Profile

Western larch grows in valleys and on the lower slopes of mountains in the southern Interior of British Columbia. As it is intolerant to shade it does well in...

Factsheets

Forest Practices in Canada Module

Toolkits

Forest Practices in Canada Module

Canada’s immense forest land base means it has an important role to play in responding to the urgent issue of climate change. Its sustainable forest management...

Toolkits

Forests, Wood & Climate Change

Factsheets

Forests, Wood & Climate Change

British Columbia’s (B.C.) and Canada’s forests and forest products play an important role in helping mitigate climate change. Growing forests reduce greenhouse...

Factsheets

Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability

Case Studies

Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability

The Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) at UBC is one of the flagship projects of the university's Campus as a Living Laboratory...

Case Studies

Nita Lake Lodge

Case Studies

Nita Lake Lodge

Nita Lake Lodge is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler, British Columbia, a world-class ski destination in the heart of the province’s Coast...

Case Studies

Green Roof, Gold Medals: Richmond Olympic Oval

Videos

Green Roof, Gold Medals: Richmond Olympic Oval

During the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Richmond Oval hosted long track speed skating competitions and a variety of other events. ...

Videos

Wood: An Integral Part of a Net-Positive Building

Videos

Wood: An Integral Part of a Net-Positive Building

The Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), located in Vancouver, British Columbia, is an interdisciplinary academic centre; the building is...

Videos

Involving BC

Factsheets

Involving BC

British Columbia’s forests offer countless social benefits, including recreational enjoyment and economic opportunities. The views of British Columbians are...

Factsheets

An Introduction to the Wood Innovation and Design Centre

Videos

An Introduction to the Wood Innovation and Design Centre

When completed, the WIDC will be the tallest contemporary wood building in North America, building on B.C.'s expertise and global reputation as an innovative...

Videos

Ponderosa Pine Species Profile

Factsheets

Ponderosa Pine Species Profile

Ponderosa pine is the characteristic tree of the southern Interior of British Columbia. It is the largest of the western pine species, and is found on semi-...

Factsheets

Forest Certification in B.C.

Factsheets

Forest Certification in B.C.

Summarizes the third-party forest certification standards in B.C. CSA-SFM, FSC, PEFC and SFI.

Factsheets

Durability and Adaptability Module

Toolkits

Durability and Adaptability Module

Designing for durability and adaptability is critical to secure the greatest value for the net energy embodied in building materials. Wood structures are...

Toolkits

Tall Wood Survey - WIDC Bulletin

Research

Tall Wood Survey - WIDC Bulletin

The Government of British Columbia’s Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) in the City of Prince George showcases B.C.’s expertise and global reputation as...

Research

Bigleaf Maple Species Profile

Factsheets

Bigleaf Maple Species Profile

Bigleaf maple is the largest maple in Canada, and it only grows in the southwest corner of British Columbia. On good sites it can reach 36 metres in height and...

Factsheets

Wood in Airports

Videos

Wood in Airports

The warmth, versatility and durability of wood led Michael Green, Principal of mgb Architecture & Design, to specify wood for the Prince George and Ottawa...

Videos

Carbon Footprint of 4 Canadian Wood Products Delivered to the UK

Research

Carbon Footprint of 4 Canadian Wood Products Delivered to the UK

A study by The Athena Institute and FPInnovations that shows the carbon footprint of four wood products manufactured in Canada and delivered to the UK. * For a...

Research

Wood in Higher Education

Case Studies

Wood in Higher Education

Situated on a forested peninsula on the westernmost point of Vancouver, Canada along the Pacific coast, the University of British Columbia campus is a 1,001...

Case Studies

Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre

Case Studies

Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre was created to preserve the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations cultures and share them with others. The building is designed to...

Case Studies

Life Cycle Assessment at UBC

Case Studies

Life Cycle Assessment at UBC

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is applying a sustainability “gradient” framework where each new capital project is intended to exceed the performance...

Case Studies

Comparing British Columbia with the World (2004)

Research

Comparing British Columbia with the World (2004)

An independent ground-breaking study conducted by Dr. Cashore, a professor at Yale University, comparing Canada۪s environmental forest practice regulations...

Research

Building Green with Wood Toolkit Modules (All-in)

Toolkits

Building Green with Wood Toolkit Modules (All-in)

The Building Green with Wood Toolkit is a resource when considering building rating systems, codes and any other green-related initiatives. This PDF includes...

Toolkits

British Columbia's Boreal Region

Factsheets

British Columbia's Boreal Region

The boreal region encircles the upper portion of the northern hemisphere and contains one-third of the world’s forests. The forests in the boreal region are...

Factsheets

Wood Innovation & Design Centre

Videos

Wood Innovation & Design Centre

The Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) is the tallest wood building in Prince George and the tallest contemporary wood building in North America....

Videos

Western Hemlock Species Profile

Factsheets

Western Hemlock Species Profile

Western hemlock is the single most plentiful tree species on the coast of British Columbia. It grows along both the east and west sides of the Coast Range,...

Factsheets

Climate Change Module

Toolkits

Climate Change Module

Using wood products that store carbon instead of building materials that require large amounts of fossil fuel energy to manufacture can help to reduce...

Toolkits

MEC Head Office Uses Innovative Mass Timber Products

Videos

MEC Head Office Uses Innovative Mass Timber Products

Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is an outdoor retail cooperative with over four million members and annual sales of more than $300 million. MEC’s commitment to...

Videos

Wood in Healthcare

Case Studies

Wood in Healthcare

Many factors contribute to a physically healthy indoor environment, including plentiful natural light, adequate fresh air ventilation,maintenance of...

Case Studies

John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse

Case Studies

John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse

The John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse is located in Richmond, British Columbia on the Middle Arm of the tidal estuary of the Fraser River and is accessed through a...

Case Studies

British Columbia wood. Sustainable by nature. Innovative by design.

Videos

British Columbia wood. Sustainable by nature. Innovative by design.

Wood can be used in many types of buildings, from single-family homes to multi-story condominiums and offices, schools, health facilities, recreational centers...

Videos

Vancouver Mid-Rise Energy Carbon Framework Report

Research

Vancouver Mid-Rise Energy Carbon Framework Report

This study addresses “mid-rise” multi-family residential buildings which typically comprise 3 – 6 storey condominium or apartment buildings. Mid-rise...

Research

Case Studies

Future of Mid-Rise and Mass Timber Wood Construction in B.C. (Part 5 of 5)

British Columbia has long been recognized as a transportation hub and a pivotal point for the movement of goods between North America and the Pacific Rim....

Case Studies

Videos

Future of Mid-Rise and Mass Timber Wood Construction in B.C. (Part 5 of 5)

Advancements in wood technology, systems and products, together with performance-based building codes have fueled interest in building with mass timber in mid-...

Videos

Lodgepole Pine Species Profile

Factsheets

Lodgepole Pine Species Profile

Lodgepole pine is the single most plentiful tree species in British Columbia. It grows throughout most of the Interior of the province from mid-elevation to...

Factsheets

Mountain Pine Beetle

Factsheets

Mountain Pine Beetle

British Columbia has a wide-ranging response to the mountain pine beetle epidemic, which is expected to run its course by 2021. The province is focused on...

Factsheets

Resource Conservation Module

Toolkits

Resource Conservation Module

Responsible resource management is essential if we are to reach the goal of true sustainable development. Sometimes this will mean using less, but it will...

Toolkits

Wood Innovation and Design Centre

Case Studies

Wood Innovation and Design Centre

The Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC), located prominently in downtown Prince George in north-central British Columbia, and completed in October 2014,...

Case Studies

Yellow Cedar Species Profile

Factsheets

Yellow Cedar Species Profile

Yellow cedar grows along British Columbia’s coastal region. It is a medium-sized tree growing up to 24 metres tall and 90 cm in diameter when mature. It often...

Factsheets

Case Studies

Guide To Chain of Custody

People spend as much as 90 per cent of their time inside buildings, and for children, adolescents and an increasing number of young adults, most of this time...

Case Studies

Factsheets

Guide To Chain of Custody

In the international marketplace, jurisdictions are increasingly specifying forest certification requirements, backed by Chain of Custody (CoC), in their green...

Factsheets

North Vancouver City Hall

Videos

North Vancouver City Hall

The City of North Vancouver Civic Centre Renovation is a showcase for wood innovation, with state-of-the-art design fabrication behind the roof panel system,...

Videos

Squamish Adventure Centre

Case Studies

Squamish Adventure Centre

The Squamish Adventure Centre is a combined visitor centre, outdoor sports museum and economic development office. On the outskirts of Squamish, British...

Case Studies

Complex Structures: Solutions in Wood

Videos

Complex Structures: Solutions in Wood

Innovative new technologies and building systems have enabled longer wood spans, taller walls and higher buildings, contributing to a wider range of wood...

Videos

Comparison of Selected Forest Certification Standards (2009)

Research

Comparison of Selected Forest Certification Standards (2009)

A study conducted by Indufor Oy that examines the linkages between forest regulation and forest certification around the world. The resulting report,...

Research

B.C. Wood Arenas - Design and Construction of Wood Recreational Facilities

Factsheets

B.C. Wood Arenas - Design and Construction of Wood Recreational Facilities

This report contains information and guidelines for stakeholders who plans to build a hoackey arena. It is addressed to a wider audience with limited...

Factsheets

Subalpine Fir Species Profile

Factsheets

Subalpine Fir Species Profile

Subalpine fir grows throughout most of the British Columbia Interior from mid- to high elevations. It is a medium-sized tree, on average 20 to 35 metres in...

Factsheets

Gleneagles Community Centre

Case Studies

Gleneagles Community Centre

In keeping with its own sustainable development policies, the District of West Vancouver wanted the Gleneagles Community Centre facility to embody leading-edge...

Case Studies

Transportation Effects Module

Toolkits

Transportation Effects Module

While a building’s operation over time has the greatest environmental impact, there is also energy consumed in extracting, manufacturing and transporting the...

Toolkits

Wood Industrial Buildings - BC Wood

Factsheets

Wood Industrial Buildings - BC Wood

This report introduces prefabricated industrial timber buildings and the wide variety of applications for this building structure. With newly developed...

Factsheets

White Birch Species Profile

Factsheets

White Birch Species Profile

A native British Columbian species, this tree is easily recognized by its smooth, white peeling bark. Intolerant of shade, white birch thrives on burned-over...

Factsheets

British Columbia's Woodland Caribou

Factsheets

British Columbia's Woodland Caribou

Woodland Caribou are a species of deer. They are associated with northern, cold and snowy climates. Woodland Caribou in B.C. include three ecotypes or groups...

Factsheets

Tackle Climate Change - Use Wood

Videos

Tackle Climate Change - Use Wood

In the context of climate change, sustainably managed forests -- and the products derived from them -- play an essential mitigating role. Forests are one of...

Videos

Wood Construction in Mid-Rise Buildings

Videos

Wood Construction in Mid-Rise Buildings

Graham Finch shares the basic principles of wood construction in mid-rise buildings. Innovative new technologies and building systems have enabled longer wood...

Videos

West Vancouver Aquatic Centre

Case Studies

West Vancouver Aquatic Centre

This project combined the refurbishment of an original 25-year-old aquatic facility with the addition of a leisure pool, accessible hot pool, 65ft (20m)...

Case Studies

The Earth Systems Science Building, UBC (Part 4 of 5)

Videos

The Earth Systems Science Building, UBC (Part 4 of 5)

The University of British Columbia's Earth Sciences Building has an extensive and innovative use of cross laminated timber. The facility has two five-storey...

Videos

Douglas-Fir Species Profile

Factsheets

Douglas-Fir Species Profile

Douglas-fir is one of the best known wood species in the world. In British Columbia there are two varieties of Douglas-fir, Coastal and Interior. The Coastal...

Factsheets

British Columbia: Legal Source of Quality Forest Products

Factsheets

British Columbia: Legal Source of Quality Forest Products

Learn how B.C.'s forests are a reliable source of wood and paper products from sustainable and legal sources.

Factsheets

Energy Conservation Module

Toolkits

Energy Conservation Module

Wood buildings of all sizes and types can be easily designed to meet or surpass energy standards in any climate. Due to its cellular structure and lots of...

Toolkits

Summary Report: Survey of International Tall Wood Buildings

Research

Summary Report: Survey of International Tall Wood Buildings

Over the past several years, a number of tall wood projects have been completed around the world, demonstrating successful applications of mass timber...

Research

Western White Pine Species Profile

Factsheets

Western White Pine Species Profile

Western white pine is commonly found in the drier parts of Vancouver Island, the adjacent mainland Coast and in the wetter parts of the southern Interior,...

Factsheets

Videos

Elkford Community Conference Centre

naturally:wood presents structural design and transportation featuring the Brentwood Town Centre Station, Lansdowne Station and the Kingsway Pedestrian Bridge...

Videos

Videos

Elkford Community Conference Centre

Set to become a cultural hub for the 3,000 residents of Elkford, the Elkford Community Conference Centre is expected to enhance the community's ability to...

Videos

Richmond Olympic Oval

Case Studies

Richmond Olympic Oval

The Richmond Olympic Oval was a signature structure for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and is a precedent-setting example of advanced wood engineering and...

Case Studies

Introducing Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) to North America

Videos

Introducing Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) to North America

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has gained traction since 2000 in the emerging green building movement. Engineered wood products offer a strong combination of...

Videos

Large Wood Structures

Videos

Large Wood Structures

Innovative new technologies and building systems have enabled longer wood spans, taller walls and higher buildings, contributing to a wider range of wood...

Videos

British Columbia's Sustainable Forest Management Practices

Factsheets

British Columbia's Sustainable Forest Management Practices

British Columbia is recognized as a global leader in sustainable forest management, meeting the environmental, social and economic needs of current and future...

Factsheets

Wood Specification Green Building Rating System Guides (All-in)

Toolkits

Wood Specification Green Building Rating System Guides (All-in)

The Building Green with Wood Toolkit is a resource when considering building rating systems, maximizing LEED points using wood, codes and any other green-...

Toolkits

White Spruce and Engelmann Spruce Species Profile

Factsheets

White Spruce and Engelmann Spruce Species Profile

Engelmann spruce occurs at high elevations and interbreeds with white spruce in areas where their ranges overlap, and they are referred to as Interior spruce....

Factsheets

Canada Wood. Renewable by nature. Sustainable by Design.

Factsheets

Canada Wood. Renewable by nature. Sustainable by Design.

A publication that examines the environmental benefits of building with wood.

Factsheets

Social and Economic Sustainability Module

Toolkits

Social and Economic Sustainability Module

Green building supports a built environment that is socially, environmentally and economically responsible. These are the three pillars of sustainable...

Toolkits

Great Bear Rainforest

Factsheets

Great Bear Rainforest

Summarizes the agreement between First Nations, the Province of B.C., industry and environmental groups in British Columbia's globally unique Great Bear...

Factsheets

Trembling Aspen Species Profile

Factsheets

Trembling Aspen Species Profile

Trembling aspen – grouped together with balsam poplar – makes up approximately 3 to 4% of British Columbia’s forests. The tree often appears in pure stands and...

Factsheets

Videos