Garnica at a sustainable construction conference at the University of La Rioja

On Friday 21 October, we took part in the Tenth Sustainable Construction Conference on 'Structural Wood and Sustainable Construction', organised by Department of Continuum Mechanics at the University of La Rioja's College of Engineering. The conference addressed the importance of responsible professional practice in contributing to sustainable economic development.

Garnica's contribution was a technical presentation by its R&D Director, Juan Albiñana, entitled ‘New Wood Construction Systems: SIP Panels (Structural Insulated Panels)’.

“After more than 80 years, we have become one of the largest companies in La Rioja and the region's main exporter. The wood products manufactured at Garnica are exported to more than 40 countries on all continents,” said Albiñana. Garnica’s panels can be used for numerous applications from the construction of yachts or caravans to the manufacture of furniture, toys and kitchens. “Besides its commitment to sustainability and the environment, Garnica also develops construction solutions,” said the director in his presentation, referring to G-Brick panels, structural, insulated sandwich panels with numerous applications.

Juan Albiñana also spoke about the socio-economic impact of the wood industry in areas of Spain where the rural population is in decline (“Emptied Spain”). “Wood can be understood as a sustainable and renewable material for decarbonising the economy” concluded our R&D Director, alluding to the current and future challenges facing wood construction.

The aim of this tenth edition of the Sustainable Construction Conference was to persuade current professionals in the construction sector and students that there is a need for responsible professional activity to help create a sustainable economic development model, and that wood can play a role in that approach.