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Francisco believes greater use of timber in construction in coming decades will be essential to meet global population increase, particularly in the global south, in order to meet our climate targets. This, in turn, means an increase in plantation forestry but this can be achieved without compromising biodiversity.
Francisco explains why it’s crucial for designers to have a holistic understanding of the timber supply chain. While timber certification is important, relying on certification alone is not enough. He outlines the range of factors that affect timber’s carbon footprint and how to understand different sourcing strategies.
Architects can play an important role in specifying ecological timber by asking the right questions and educating themselves to understand that specifying a species and a grade is not enough. In some instances, particularly on smaller projects, architects can construct a timber value chain for a particular building.
AJ Climate Champions is hosted by Hattie Hartman and George Morgan. To catch up on all episodes, click here.
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About Scott Francisco
Scott Francisco trained as an architect at the University of Toronto and MIT. After several years in practice in Toronto and New York City at a variety of practices including DEGW, HOK and HLW, he founded Pilot Projects in 2011 to promote nature-based solutions and systems change in design practice with a focus on participatory planning, forest conservation and restoration, timber sourcing and mass timber design.
Scott’s work is rooted in participatory approaches based on the co-creation of interdisciplinary ‘communities of practice’ with a wide range of stakeholders that undertake research, action and physical projects.
Scott has taught at the McGill School of Architecture and the University of Kentucky School of Architecture, among others. He speaks regularly on systems thinking, wood and forests, organisational culture and sustainability.
Projects and resources mentioned in this episode
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
Moriyama Teshima Architects, Carol Phillips
Cities4Forests, Copenhagen UIA 2023
LevasForest, Mozambique
Credits
Climate Champions is produced in association with ACAN, the Architects’ Climate Action Network
Podcast produced and edited by Simon Aldous
Music: Edmilson do Pífano, Forró de dois Amigos. Interpretation: Felipe Tanaka e banda Balaio de Baião