Wilsonart’s National Day of Learning aims to educate designers and architects about specifying renewable vs. endangered wood species and alternatives. By Dianne M. Pogoda 

 

As part of Wilsonart’s Understanding Wood program, the company is hosting its second annual National Day of Learning on Oct. 3 at the Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place in New York. This one-day event will provide information and tools to help architects and designers specify non-endangered wood for their projects.

For decades, architects and designers have specified wood to bring warmth and beauty to their work. Many in the architecture and design community believe that since trees can be replanted, they’re a renewable source. This assumption is not totally correct, for while trees are renewable, forests are not. Many of the vibrant, diverse tree species across the globe are considered endangered or threatened. Additionally, trees are being harvested from protected forests which also damages our ecosystem.

Today, architects and designers must comply with regulations requiring them not to specify these exotic woods. Wilsonart has organized the National Day of Learning to educate the architect and designer community about endangered woods and give them the tools they need to protect their business. These professionals can help save protected forests, endangered wildlife and preserve the quality of the air we breathe by consistently using responsibly sourced wood.

Participate in one of two livestreamed CEU sessions with Grace Jeffers, NKBA Insider, thought leader, design historian and materials expert. Sign up for 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. (EDT) via livestream from the Center for Architecture in New York City. Earn 1 CEU HSW: Sustainability Credit for IDCEC or AIA to all attendees completing the CEU. Registration is required.

In her presentation, Jeffers will tackle the lack of understanding within the industry about which woods and forests are endangered or threatened, and educate about which woods should not be sourced.

Learn more with this white paper, Design for Global Forestry, which explores endangered woods, protected forests and alternative materials. Click here to view a list of environmental stewardship resources.

For any questions or more information, please click here or contact your Wilsonart Rep. To register, click here: WWW.WILSONART.COM/NDOL2018.