B.C. is at the cutting edge of innovative wood uses. At 18 stories high, the Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia is the tallest mass timber building in the world. The massive beam and panel products are just as strong as steel and concrete, while being much more environmentally friendly. Wood structures are also much faster and more efficient to construct, and have a greater seismic resistance than many traditional building materials.

Forest and sawmill residue such as bark, sawdust, and wood chips can be converted into a green energy source that can power mills, ensuring that no part of the tree goes to waste and lowering the industry’s carbon emissions. While there has been a focus on energy production in recent years, it is now recognized that bioenergy is just one of many opportunities that exist to create a more diverse bio-economy in B.C. by using wood in innovative ways.

COFI’s Forest Education Program is an award-winning program for students from grades 5-12 in the northern-central interior of British Columbia. The program provides current, balanced and factual information for educators and students about B.C.’s rich, world-class forest resources and the educational and career opportunities that are available in the forest industry.

COFI’s Forest Education Program offers classroom presentations at local schools, hands-on workshops, multi-day orientations, and teaching resources for teachers to use in the classroom. For more information, contact our Forest Education Manager, Jim Costley at .

Since 2007, COFI has offered scholarships intended to encourage the next generation of leaders to choose a professional, technical, or trades career in the forest sector. Ten $1,500 entrance scholarships will be offered each fall to students planning to undertake post-secondary studies leading to a career in the forest sector. For more information, download the application form. Applications for 2017 are due March 31.