2010 Olympics

In 2010 the world will arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia. For decades this province has been known internationally for our forest products and our wilderness, and in 2010 the world will ask how our forests are being managed. The Olympics are about showcasing the best! That is why Good Wood Watch has been working for over two years on the use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood products in Olympic Venues.

To date the results are mixed, but we are hopeful that in 2010 we will be celebrating the use of Good Wood in the games.

What’s New?

We are currently conducting a research project to find out which venues are using FSC certified wood products in their building construction. Check back soon to find out who receives the gold medal for responsible wood use and who is disqualified!

Olympic Venues to watch

Whistler Athlete’s Village
Whistler Athlete’s Centre
Whistler Celebration Centre
Vancouver Athlete’s Village
Vancouver Athlete’s Village Community Centre
Main Media Centre
Whistler Sliding Centre
Whistler Nordic Venue
Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium
Richmond Skating Oval
Vancouver Trout Lake
Vancouver Killarney Arena
UBC Winter Sport Centre

Success Story
British Columbia’s Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre has successfully used large volumes of FSC-certified forming plywood and millwork. This large-scale project is showcasing the positive results of committing to responsible wood use and illustrating that targeting the LEED FSC credit is realistic for projects of all sizes.
Why Focus on Wood?
British Columbia is known the world over for our forests and the high quality products that come from them. The 2010 Olympics presents an opportunity to showcase the responsible management of these forests. Good Wood Watch is focused on seeing the use of the highly credible, international standard of Forest Stewardship Council Certification highlighted in the Vancouver Winter Games. New and innovative things are happening here in British Columbia – including the Great Bear Rainforest Agreements and existing FSC operations. Let’s make sure we champion British Columbia’s innovation to the world!
Why FSC?

“When it comes to meeting responsible standards for local jobs and environmental health, the only wood certification we should be touting for the world to see at the Olympics is that of FSC wood…. FSC requires forest managers to provide local employment, local wood processing opportunities and meaningful consultation for local communities. These are all values that need to be met in order for BC to boast a sustainable forest economy.”

— Doug Muir, President of the Pulp, Paper & Woodworkers of Canada.