Conversations about Climate Change VIRTUAL Exhibition

Showcasing the six winning designs / conversationalists (see below), chosen on their ability to provoke important climate conversations in the lead up to the postponed COP26 climate talks in November 2021, this exhibition goes further to explore the climate emergency.

Conversations about Climate Change instigates much needed discussions around responsible sourcing, sustainable forest management, the FLEGT Action Plan, climate change mitigation and the timber industry for a low-carbon economy.

By choosing to build with sustainable timber, designers and specifiers connect themselves to a supply chain which helps keep forests standing. A circular economy, using material, wood, which absorbs and stores carbon – rather than emits carbon.

Showcasing the beauty of tropical hardwood species, Conversations about Climate Change also raises awareness of the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan to eradicate illegal logging and trade. Highlighting the prospects of timber and the importance of responsible sourcing and sustainable forest management, all designs have been fabricated from tropical hardwoods through Timber Trade Federation members from countries working towards FLEGT licensing. Species showcased include: Sapele, Iroko, Meranti, Keruing and Teak from VPA countries across the globe: Malaysia, Ghana, Gabon, Cameroon, Indonesia, and from the Congo Basin.

This design competition highlights the transformations taking place in countries undergoing FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements, the prerequisite of FLEGT licensing. Through this education we are encouraging designers, architects, specifiers and retailers to include FLEGT-licensed timber in their procurement policies as a method of timber legality assurance, providing a market incentive for VPA countries and a ‘green lane’ into timber trading within the EU and UK.

Join in the conversation! Live from the 12th February. (Sign up here)

Conversations about Climate Change is a partnership between the Timber Trade Federation and the Building Centre. Supported by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and the Built Environment Trust.