building systems |
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environmental impact and sustainability
 FPInnovations'
Environmental Impact and Sustainability research responds to the
wood product industry's needs regarding various environmental issues.
The program is designed to:
- assess the environmental impact of wood-based products and building
systems;
- support government policy about wood products and their environmental
impact;
- help consumers make informed environmental choices about construction
materials.
FPInnovations, with the contribution of a consortium of specialists,
launched the ATHENATM model in 1995, a unique software
that allows architects, engineers and builders to assess the environmental
impact of using various building materials (wood, steel, concrete).
In 1997, the development and maintenance of the model was transferred
to the ATHENA
Sustainable Materials Institute, an independent not-for-profit
organisation. The commercial version of the software was launched
in 2002. The project has now grown to become an initiative with
high international credibility and status.
Through its Environmental Impact and Sustainability research, FPInnovations
provides scientific and technical help for the Canadian Wood Council's
Wood
Works program as well as the Wood
Promotion Network, a North American-wide campaign to highlight
the benefits of using wood products and building systems.
For our members, details are
available in the 2008-2009 Building Systems Program Summary and the description of current
Sustainable Development research projects. A list of relevant
publications is offered within our sections Newsletter
(Publications Update) and Technotes.
We also offer links to publications developed by BC Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) in partnership with the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), the Canadian Wood Council (CWC), and FPInnovations-Forintek: Canadian Wood: Renewable by Nature. Sustainable by Design and Tackle Climate Change, Use Wood (Canadian Edition).
For specific needs, we also offer contract
services in the field of environmental impact for wood products
and construction systems, with strict confidentiality guidelines.
20/07/10
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