WoodPop

The 6th Expert Group Meeting and TWG Innovation & Research Workshop and in Zurich, Switzerland
2025-04-01 08:30 - 2025-04-02 15:30 (Europe/Helsinki) | EBP Schweiz AG, Mühlebachstrasse 11, Zurich, 8032, Switzerland
This two-day event features the 6th Expert Group Meeting of the European Wood Policy Platform, a workshop of the Technical Working Group “Innovation & Research” and two visits.
On Tuesday (1 April 2025), TWG Innovation & Research workshop participants will engage in discussions on bridging the gap between research and commercialization, including brief flash presentations on success stories. The workshop will end with an exclusive tour of a production plant operated by a major construction company, which is currently building a 24-storey timber hybrid high-rise using glue-laminated beech wood for residential and commercial purposes (Note: Slots for this tour are limited and allocated at a first-come, first-served basis).
On Wednesday (2 April 2025), the WoodPoP 6th Expert Group Meeting (hybrid) will provide updates on the Wood Policy Paper and international developments and processes, feature a presentation of a study on EU wood-based policy developments, discuss the next steps for the Platform and the upcoming 4th High-Level Meeting, and culminate in a visit to the NEST facility for sustainable building technologies.

PROGRAMME
Day 1 Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Technical Working Group Innovation & Research Workshop (Hybrid)
08.00 – 08.30 Registration & Welcome Coffee
08.30 – 08.45 Short Introduction of the Host, EBP Schweiz AG
08.45 – 09.15 Opening Remarks
Introduction to the objectives of the Forum and the importance of public-private funding programs in driving innovation
09.15 – 09.45 Current information on “Horizon Europe”
09:45 – 10:00 The European research and innovation landscape in the wood sector: How to increase the success rate of the wood sector?
10:00 – 10:15 Coffee break
10:15 – 11:15 3-minute flash presentation by TWG members on innovation: success stores

Title, Programme, Amount, and Partners
Results and Next Steps
What is the X-Factor for this success story? What is the added value?

11:15 – 11:45 Setting the Scene for the TWGs
Overcoming financing barriers and increasing private investment
11:45 – 12:00 Wrap-up, Next Steps
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 18:00 Post-workshop Excursion
Excursion to ERNE AG Holzbau
Please note that slots for this excursion is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
18.00 Dinner (upon invitation of FOEN)

Day 2 Wednesday, 2 April 2025
6th Expert Group Meeting (Hybrid)
08.00 – 08.30 Registration
08.30 – 08.40 Opening of the meeting
08.40 – 09.00 Update on the Wood Policy Paper
09.15 – 10.20 Updates and WoodPoP Status Quo
10.20 – 10.40 Coffee break
10.40 – 11.20 Study Presentation
“Taking a bird’s eye view of EU wood-based policy: Untangling policy, institutional, and actor frameworks affecting the wood-based sectors” by Aggestam, F., Weiss, G., Elomina, J. and Helga Puelzl.
11.20 – 11.40 Updates on international developments and processes
11.40 – 11.50 Preparation for the 4th High Level Meeting (15 October 2025, Izola, Slovenia)
11.50 – 11.55 AOB
11.55 – 12.00 Wrap-up and closure of the meeting
12.00 – 13.00 Lunch (Standing snacks)
13.30 – 15.15 Post-EGM Excursion
Excursion to Empa-NEST
15.15 End of workshop and return
Further information
The 6th Expert Group Meeting and the TWG Innovation & Research Workshop will be in English.

Registration
Interested parties are requested to email contact(at)woodpop(dot)eu

Meeting Documents
Please find the invitation, draft agenda and the practical information for the Workshop and the Expert Group Meeting below:
1- Invitation woodPoP EGM TWG IR WS Zurich 1-2 April 2025
2 – 6th ExpertGroupMeeting_draft agenda_ 2 April V27March2025
3 – TWG Innovation Workshop and Excursion 1-2 April 2025 updated V27March2025
4 – Pratical Information 1-2 April 2025
5 – Overview of Locations

Photo Credits: Photo by Ilia Bronskiy (Pexels)

Upskilling and reskilling the wood construction sector: perspectives from the New European Bauhaus Academy
2024-12-04 13:45 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) | Innsbruck, Austria, Rennweg 3, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
PROLOGUE V: Education and vocational training
Wednesday, 4th December 2024, 13:45 – 18:00 CET
28th International Wood Construction Conference, Innsbruck, Austria
Organised by the Technical Working Group ‘Education and Vocational Training’ of the European Wood Policy Platform (woodPoP)
Perspectives from the New European Bauhaus Academy on upskilling and reskilling the wood construction sector
Moderation: Veronika Steinhofer-Juch (IUFRO) & Andreja Kutnar (University of Primorska)
Increasing interest in timber construction, new technologies and applications of wood and wood species pose new challenges for training and education in the wood construction sector. Interdisciplinary training and education programs as well as lifelong learning are becoming increasingly important. Platforms like the New European Bauhaus Academy offer exciting entry points for new forms of knowledge transfer.

REGISTRATION
If you are interested in joining, kindly email your interest at contact@woodpop.eu.

EVENT LANGUAGE
This event will be in English.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
This programme is available in English and German. For the German version, please scroll further down.

ENGLISH VERSION
PROGRAMME
13:45 – 14:00 Opening
Dr. Georg Rappold, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, Austria
Darko Sajko, Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Slovenia
14:00 – 14:15 New European Bauhaus
Alina-Stefania Ujupan, Head of Unit, Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission
14:15 – 15:00 New European Bauhaus Academy Alliance
NEBAP Hub – Andreja Kutnar, University of Primorska & InnoRenew CoE, Slovenia
North NEBA Hub – Matti Kuittinen, Aalto University, Finland
Outreach NEBA Hub – Uwe Kies, InnovaWood, Belgium
15:00 – 15:45 Innovative education, training and microcredentials
Stefan Leitner, Holzbau Austria
Wolfgang Kern, Federal Ministry of Science, Education and Research, Austria
Dr. Guido Wimmers, School of Construction and the Environment, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Canada
15:45 – 16:15 Coffee break
16:15 – 17:00 Training at the event: acoustics of timber buildings
Rok Prislan, University of Primorska & InnoRenew CoE, Slovenia
17:00 – 17:45 Roundtable discussion – training needs in the construction sector
Matej Vukmanic, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Lumar d.o.o., Slovenia
Dr. Erich Wiesner, WIEHAG, Austria
Prof. Dr. Oya Atalay Franck, European Association for Architectural Education, Brussels
Günther Kain, HTBLA Hallstatt; Austria
17:45 – 18:00 Concluding remarks and closure of the meeting

DEUTSCH VERSION
PROLOG V: Aus- und Weiterbildung
Mittwoch, 4. Dezember 2024 13:45 – 18:00 CET
28. Internationales Holzbau-Forum Innsbruck, Österreich
Organisiert von der Technischen Arbeitsgruppe „Bildung und Berufsbildung“ der Europäischen Holzpolitikplattform (woodPoP)
Perspektiven der Neuen Europäischen Bauhaus-Akademie zu Aus- und Weiterbildung im Holzbausektor
Moderation: Veronika Steinhofer-Juch (IUFRO) & Andreja Kutnar (Universität Primorska)
Zunehmendes Interesse am Holzbau, neue Technologien und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von Holz und -Holzarten stellen die Aus- und Weiterbildung im Holzbausektor vor neue Herausforderungen. Interdisziplinäre Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramme sowie lebenslanges Lernen gewinnen an Wichtigkeit. Plattformen wie die New European Bauhaus Academy bieten spannende Ansatzpunkte für neue Formen der Wissensvermittlung
PROGRAMM
13:45 – 14:00 Eröffnung
Georg Rappold, Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Regionen und Wasserwirtschaft, Österreich
Darko Sajko, Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Tourismus und Sport, Slowenien
14:00 – 14:15 Neues Europäisches Bauhaus
Alina Ujupan, Abteilungsleiterin, Gemeinsame Forschungsstelle, Europäische Kommission
14:15 – 15:00 Neues Europäisches Bauhaus-Akademie (NEBA) Allianz
NEBAP Hub – Andreja Kutnar, Universität Primorska & InnoRenew CoE
NEBA Hub Nord – Matti Kuittinen, Aalto Universität
NEBA Hub Outreach– Uwe Kies, InnovaWood
15:00 – 15:45 Innovative Bildung, Ausbildung und Microcredentials
Stefan Leitner, Holzbau Austria
Wolfgang Kern, Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft, Bildung und Forschung, Österreich
Guido Wimmers, Dekan für Bauwesen und Umwelt, Technisches Institut British Columbia, Kanada
15:45 – 16:15 Kaffeepause
16:15 – 17:00 Training vor Ort: Akustik von Holzgebäuden
Rok Prislan, Universität Primorska & InnoRenew CoE
17:00 – 17:45 Diskussionsrunde – Ausbildungsbedarf im Bausektor
Matej Vukmanic, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Lumar d.o.o., Slowenien
Erich Wiesner, WIEHAG, Österreich
Oya Atalay Franck, Direktorin, Departement Architektur, Gestaltung und Bauingenieurwesen, Präsidentin des Europäischer Verband für Architekturausbildung, ZHAW, Schweiz
Günther Kain, HTBLA Hallstatt, Österreich
17:45 – 18:00 Schlussbemerkungen und Ende der Sitzung

Wenn Sie an einer Teilnahme interessiert sind, senden Sie bitte eine E-Mail an contact@woodpop.eu.

Wood Policy and Innovation Workshop 2024 ‘Europe’s innovative wood construction sector as driver for the green and digital transition’
2024-11-07 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union, Rue Wiertz 77, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
Wood Policy and Innovation Conference: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future in Construction
On 7 November 2024, Brussels will host the Wood Policy and Innovation Conference, an event that highlights the wood sector’s vital role in Europe’s green and digital transition. With a focus on policy, innovation, and sustainable building practices, this conference will bring together over 150 participants, including Members of the European Parliament and their staff, EC staff and experts, policymakers, industry representatives, and advocacy organisations to discuss how wood-based construction can help Europe meet its climate goals.
Under the theme, “Europe’s Wood Sector as a Driver for the Green and Digital Transition of the Built Environment,” the conference will emphasize the transformative potential of wood in sustainable construction and its contribution to the EU’s climate-neutral ambitions. Key sessions will highlight the wood sector’s direct impact on the economy, representing 17.5 million jobs and €1,114 billion in turnover. As a renewable resource, wood presents a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials, significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping cities evolve into large-scale carbon sinks.
Attendees will have the chance to engage in policy discussions, attend interactive sessions, and network.
Join Us
This is a unique opportunity for advocates, policymakers, and industry leaders to connect and contribute to Europe’s bioeconomy transition. Join us in Brussels on 7 November to explore the innovations and policies that will drive the future of sustainable construction in Europe.
For more information and to register, visit the conference webpage. Registration is until 31 October 2024.

The 3rd WoodPoP High Level Meeting
2024-11-06 14:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Helsinki) | Austrian Permanent Representation in the EU, Avenue de Cortenbergh 30, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
WoodPoP Third High Level Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, 06 November 2024, 14:30 – 17:30 CET
Venue: Austrian Permanent Representation to the EU, Avenue de Cortenbergh 30, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
On November 6, 2024, from 14:30 to 17:30 CET, the European Wood Policy Platform (WoodPoP) will host its 3rd High Level Meeting, bringing together delegations from Pan-European ministries, led by senior government officials such as Ministers, Secretaries of State, Director Generals, and Directors. The meeting will also welcome regional and stakeholder organizations, along with various observers.
This significant event will feature an opening by representatives of European and international organisations, followed by discussions on key topics such as the endorsement of the WoodPoP policy paper and updates from international processes.

Programme Overview
14:00 CET Welcome coffee and registration
14:30 CET Opening of the Meeting

Franz Wirtenberger, Deputy Permanent Representative of Austria to the EU

Keynote Speeches

Latest developments following the elections of the European Parliament and the implications for the wood-based sector, Alexander Bernhuber, Member of the European Parliament
The forest-based bioeconomy from the perspective of the UN Forum on Forests, Mr. Ismail Belen, Chair of the UNFF Bureau

Item 1. Exchange of views on the Policy Paper

Policy Paper of the European Wood Policy Platform: A Wood-Based Circular Bioeconomy for a Sustainable Europe: Green Construction and Innovative Solutions
Endorsement of the Policy Paper

Item 2. Reports of the Technical Working Groups’ co-leads
Item 3. WoodPoP: the way forward (Points of information)

Updates from the WoodPoP Secretariat
Upcoming meetings

Item 4. AOB
17:15 CET Closing Remarks
17:30 CET Reception

The meeting will be followed by a reception.

Study Tour and Expert Group Meeting: Registration Link
2024-09-10 09:30 - 2024-09-11 15:00 (Europe/Paris) | Wood Hotel, Tårnvegen 55, Brumunddal, 2380, Norway
The First WoodPoP Study Tour will take place in Norway, Greater Oslo Region, from 10-11 September 2024.
This Study Tour initiated by the invitation of the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, organised by the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconony Research (NIBIO), and supported by Innovation Norway will explore the innovative use of wood in Norway’s industry. It will feature an educational tour of public wood buildings and state-of-the-art production facilities in the Greater Oslo region.

The 5th WoodPoP Expert Group Meeting (hybrid) is held on 11 September 2024 (8.30 -12.00 CEST) as part of the the Study Tour. The meeting will be held at the Wood Hotel by Frich’s within the Mjøstårnet in Brumunddal, Norway.

DOCUMENTS
For the detailed program and practical information about the Study Tour, please click this link: Study Tour and 5th EGM Norway: Practical Information
For the agenda of the Expert Group Meeting, please click this link: Draft Agenda Expert Group Meeting

REGISTRATION
To join the Study Tour, register by clicking on the link: Registration.
(open until 2 September 2024)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW – STUDY TOUR
Day 1 Tuesday, 10 September 2024
Study tour to public wood building and state-of-the-art production facilities in the Greater Oslo region and focus on wooden wall elements
08.45 Departure of the Excursion bus in Oslo City Center

Pick-up at Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), Jernbanetorget 1, 0154 Oslo

There is also the possibility to join directly for the Expert Group Meeting at the hotel via public transport (bus or train).
09.15 – 12:30 Morning Excursion

HasleTre Office Building, Bøkkerveien 2, 0579 Oslo
Transfer to Wood Hotel (with a short viewing stop)

12.30 Lunch at the Wood Hotel
13.30 Afternoon Excursion and Guided Tour of the Wood Hotel

Visit Ringsaker Vegg- og Takelementer AS (RVT) Brugsvegen 11A, 2390 Moelv, Norway
Check-in at the Wood Hotel (around 15.00)
Guided Tour of the Wood Hotel (around 16.00)

19.00 Dinner

Day 2 Wednesday, 11 September 2024
Until 8.30 breakfast and check-out from the hotel
08.30 – 12.00 Expert Group Meeting (see separate agenda)
12.15 Lunch and Afternoon Excursion with focus on fibre use for isolution

Departure from the Hotel
Lunch (around 13.00) and Visit of Hunton Fibre, Niels Ødegaards gate 8, 2815 Gjøvik, Norway

15.00 Transfer to Oslo
17.00 Arrival Oslo
The bus will return to the stop at Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) at 17.30 CEST at the latest.
An intermediate airport stop for drop-offs can be accommodated at around 16.30 CEST.

PRE-PROGRAMME: VISIT TO NIBIO OFFICES (Monday, 9 September)
15.00 – 16.30 Optional Excursion to NIBIO Offices
Location: NIBIO Offices, Høgskoleveien 8, Ås

MEETING LANGUAGE
The Study Tour and Expert Group Meeting will be held in English. A hybrid option will only be provided for the Expert Group Meeting (11 September 2024, 08.30 – 12.00 CEST).

Pre-World Forest Week High-level Dialogue
2024-07-19 09:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Helsinki) | Sheik Zayed Centre, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, 00153, Italy
Event Update:
Rome, 19 July 2024 — The WOOD For GLOBE Pre-World Forest Week High-Level Dialogue culminated with a collective call to scale up sustainable wood-based pathways and join efforts to promote enhanced policy and technical dialogue and exchange.
To view the Outcome Statement and if there is an interest to be associated with this Outcome Statement and express commitment to its call, view the WOOD for GLOBE partnership page at the IUFRO website.
For more information on the session: WOOD for GLOBE Leading pathways to carbon neutrality and resilience (fao.org)
—
Join us at Pre-World Forest Week High-level Dialogue on FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2024 in FAO Headquarters and Online
The high-level dialogue will review progress on sustainable wood pathways from the 2022 Ministerial Call on Sustainable Wood, exploring emerging partnerships and needs for Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement. Chaired by the Minister of the Austrian Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, it will renew and invite commitments to support environmentally-friendly, carbon-neutral economies. The event will be held in English and interpreted in the official 6 UN languages.
For more information and for either the in-person or the online registration, visit: https://www.fao.org/forestry/committee-on-forestry/world-forest-week-side-events/wood-for-globe–leading-pathways-to-carbon-neutrality-and-resilience/en

WoodPoP Policy Lab on 03 - 05 July 2024 in Traunkirchen, Austria
2024-07-03 12:00 - 2024-07-05 12:00 (Europe/Paris) | WaldCampus (Wood Campus) Austria, Traunkirchen, Austria, Forstpark 1, Traunkirchen, Upper Austria, 4801, Austria
Representatives of European countries and wood-based stakeholder groups came together last 03 – 05 July 2024 to develop the consolidated draft of the woodPoP position paper during the Wood Policy Lab at the Forest Campus in Traunkirchen, Austria.
This consolidated draft will be soon presented for comments and discussion at the Expert Group Meeting in Norway on 11 September 2024.
