Timber industry looks to cash in on Olympic work

The timber industry is hoping to use the Olympic Games in 2012 as a catalyst for a much wider uptake of wood in all its forms.

Following the success of the 'Wood for Good' campaign, 'Wood for Gold' is an initiative designed to capitalise on the corollary between the oft-stated sustainable and legacy aspirations of the Games and the green credentials of timber.

"For sustainability, for low carbon emissions, for energy efficiency, for recycling and for the overall legacy of the Games and their target of a 'One Planet Olympics', timber ticks all the boxes," said John White, chief executive of the Timber Trade Federation.

"Sustainability was absolutely key to the bid being won by London, and the legacy aspect of the project is crucial. We want to use the Olympic Games to show how wood can help meet these commitments," he added.

The initiative is designed to stress wood's potential to contribute to these strategic goals in a variety of ways.

"First, we need to speak to the London Authority, the government and the two Olympic bodies. The Olympic Delivery Authority is currently consulting on its procurement and sustainability policies, and we need to make sure timber is a factor in these," said White.

Wood for Gold will then target the Olympic Delivery Partner, CML, plus designers, architects and specifiers. It also has an eye on landing the coup of an iconic project being made from wood.

However, the biggest prize, said White, would be simply to get wood considered on a level procurement playing field with all other construction materials.