Whistler’s Solana Condos Win the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Certified Wood Award

VANCOUVER, British Columbia , Feb. 27, 2018 -- A commitment to use responsibly sourced wood products has earned Whistler-based Innovation Building Group an award from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The SFI Certified Wood Award is part of the Wood Design & Building Awards program. Innovation Building Group received the award, for its multi-residential project Solana in Whistler, BC, at the Wood WORKS! BC 2018 Wood Design Awards Gala in Vancouver on February 26. (Watch the awards video.)

A commitment to use responsibly sourced wood products has earned Whistler-based Innovation Building Group an award from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

SFI is a non-profit sustainability organization dedicated to the future of our forests and this award recognizes leadership in the responsible use of forest products certified to SFI. The award-winning Solana development features 20 single-level condos that range in size from two-bedroom to two-bedroom plus-den configurations. It is considered one of BC’s most healthy, comfortable and energy efficient buildings.

“Solana exemplifies our commitment to constantly improve the quality of the homes we build. We used leading edge, made-in-BC products in the sustainable design and construction, like LVL [laminated veneer lumber] panels certified to SFI,” said Rod Nadeau, Managing Partner and founder of the Innovation Building Group. “Health and comfort, through advanced air and lighting systems and natural materials, like wood, were the primary goals in the Solana design.”

Solana used Brisco Fine Line LVL in lumber panels, beams and posts, certified to SFI, as part of both the structure of the building and its distinctive finish. These Brisco Manufacturing products are based on LP SolidStart LVL, from LP Building Products. Subflooring and joists were provided by Weyerhaeuser. LP and Weyerhaeuser are both SFI Program Participants certified to the SFI Standard.

Solana is a showcase for using natural materials like wood in innovative and beautiful ways. Elevator shafts are just one of the leading-edge wood-design applications. Wood is also featured prominently in the roof, stairways, columns, beams, floors, bearing walls and exterior walls.

Wood, with its renewability and versatility also helped Solana far exceed the Built Green Canada Platinum standard. Built Green Canada supports builders interested in responsible sustainability practices for residential buildings. Built Green encourages the use of lumber and gives a significant number of points for lumber use.

“Solana is a prime example of wood’s versatility and appeal. Builders and architects use wood because it looks great, it’s easy to work with and it comes from a renewable resource,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc. “This project is also a prime example of how SFI supports efforts to strengthen the vital links between well‑managed forests, responsible purchasing and sustainable communities.”

Solana scores high on support for sustainable communities because it relied heavily on local materials and suppliers. But it is also part of a move responding to local government efforts to help create housing for underserved Whistler communities like resort workers and seniors. Seniors were offered a 90-day purchasing window before the general public. And upon resale, the units will first be offered to seniors.

About the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative^®(SFI) is a sustainability leader that stands for future forests. SFI^® is an independent, non-profit organization that provides supply chain assurances, produces conservation outcomes, and supports education and community engagement. SFI works with the forest sector, brand owners, conservation groups, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous peoples, governments, and universities. SFI standards and on-product labels help consumers make responsible purchasing decisions. Additionally, they oversee the SFI Forest Partners^® Program, which aims to increase supply of certified forest products, the SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program, which funds research and community building, and Project Learning Tree^®, which educates teachers and youth about forests and the environment. SFI Inc. is governed by an independent three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social, and economic sectors equally. SFI believes caring for forests improves everyone’s quality of life. Learn more: sfiprogram.org.

About the Wood Design & Building Awards
The Wood Design & Building Awards program recognizes excellence in wood architecture. A jury of prominent architects award winners based on creativity, distinctive and appropriate uses of wood materials, ability to satisfy clients’ building and site requirements, and overall aesthetic appeal.

The SFI Certified Wood Award 2016 winner was Portland-based architects Hacker for the Black Butte Ranch. Prior award winners include KH Designs, in 2015, for the Quilakwa Center, in Enderby BC, Allen + Maurer Architects, in 2014, for the Askew’s Foods Uptown Store in Salmon Arm, BC, and NSDA Architects, in 2013, for Kordyban Lodge, in Prince George, BC.

About Wood WORKS!
Wood WORKS! is a national industry-led program of the Canadian Wood Council, with a goal to support innovation and provide leadership on the use of wood products and building systems.

Media Contact
Daniel Pellegrom
Senior Director, Communications
Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.
202-596-3452
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d7c58111-93af-416f-a7af-144b90687daa