Canadian Wood Council secures $8.5 million in funding to drive innovation and sustainability in wood construction

 Thursday, December 18, 2025

In a major stride towards eco-friendly construction and sustainable development, the Canadian Wood Council (CWC) has secured a significant $8.5 million funding boost from the Government of Canada. This funding, announced by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, is set to fuel groundbreaking initiatives in the country’s forestry sector and enhance the adoption of wood-based solutions across various construction projects. The Canadian Wood Council’s efforts, primarily focused on advancing wood construction technologies, align with Canada’s ambitious goals to address its housing and affordability challenges while driving innovation in low-carbon building materials.

Funding for Innovation: Strengthening Canada’s Forestry Sector

Since 2023, the Canadian Wood Council has received critical financial support to champion the use of wood in construction. These efforts have not only pushed for widespread adoption of mass timber and engineered wood products but also played a key role in advancing the National Building Code of Canada. The infusion of $8.5 million allows CWC to offer expert guidance to architects, engineers, and developers, facilitating the widespread use of sustainable wood solutions that are both innovative and cost-effective.

WoodWorks Program: Empowering the Future of Construction

At the heart of the CWC’s initiatives is the WoodWorks program, which acts as a catalyst for change in the Canadian construction industry. This national outreach program provides technical assistance, training, and resources to professionals across the sector. Architects, engineers, and developers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to integrate wood-based materials into modern construction practices. The program’s focus on advanced wood construction technologies, including mass timber, is propelling Canada toward a greener future in the built environment.

Key Projects Advancing Wood Construction Across Canada

Three major projects funded by the Government of Canada will transform the landscape of wood-based construction:

1. Expanding Wood-Based Solutions in Construction:
   A major portion of the funding, $4.99 million, will be directed towards increasing the use of wood-based solutions in Canada. By providing direct technical support and offering training on wood construction, CWC aims to build proficiency in the industry and encourage greater acceptance of wood as a versatile building material.
2. Education and Awareness Expansion:
   Another significant project received $2.94 million to expand educational offerings on wood construction. This initiative focuses on educating post-secondary students, tradespeople, and professionals in the construction industry, ensuring they have a thorough understanding of the benefits and capabilities of wood-based materials.
3. Code Development for Sustainable Wood Use:
   A further $594,000 is earmarked to support the forestry industry’s participation in the development of new codes for low-carbon building materials. This project will contribute to the ongoing evolution of the National Building Code, promoting the use of sustainable and mass timber products in future construction projects.

The Long-Term Vision: Sustainable Wood Construction Across Canada

Rick Jeffrey, President and CEO of the Canadian Wood Council, emphasized the importance of the GCWood program and the impact it will have on the forestry, manufacturing, and construction sectors in Canada. Through technical advisory services, educational initiatives, and code development, the CWC is paving the way for Canada to become a leader in sustainable, low-carbon construction practices. The ultimate goal is to create a replicable, scalable model that can address the nation’s housing and construction needs, while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the industry.

Conclusion: Shaping Canada’s Green Future with Wood-Based Solutions

The Canadian Wood Council’s recent funding boost marks a turning point in Canada’s commitment to sustainable construction. By advancing wood-based building materials, providing industry education, and contributing to national code development, the CWC is playing a pivotal role in reshaping Canada’s construction landscape. This funding will not only support current construction practices but also lay the foundation for a future where wood-based solutions drive the growth of affordable, low-carbon housing solutions.

As CWC continues to collaborate with stakeholders across the country, the momentum behind wood-based construction solutions is set to accelerate, propelling Canada toward a greener, more sustainable future in building practices.

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Photo from Canadian Wood Council website.

Tags: Canadian Wood Council, GCWood Program, innovation in construction, mass timber, National Building Code, sustainable building, wood construction, wood products