WOOD sustainability in construction works will be the focus of discussions at Dubai WoodShow 2014, which kicks off next month in the UAE.

The show, which will be held from April 8 to 10 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will highlight the environmental performance of wood products and the right methods of choosing them, said Walid Farghal, director-general of Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, organisers of The Dubai WoodShow.

Farghal said that construction and real estate sectors had started implementing stringent eco-friendly standards, having a domino effect on other related sectors working toward a green approach.

“Wood is the world’s only renewable building material. It satisfies the four basic principles of green buildings to minimise the environmental impact of construction by minimising use of energy resources and reducing pollution,” he explained.

“The exhibition highlights international standards in manufacturing carpentry and furniture companies which are dependent on hardwoods, aiming to transform the experience to the local importers, especially those working with the real estate developers.”

A series of seminars highlighting this issue will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition, most of them tailored for the regional market and the UAE in particular. Entities like Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma) and Dubai Central Laboratory will discuss the local UAE standards in this field, while Dubai Municipality will organise two seminars on ‘Wood Sustainability’ and ‘Innovation in Sustainability’.

The Dubai WoodShow serves as an annual meeting point for producers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, dealers, suppliers and end-users and other players in the wood industry. The products to be showcased include wood products, woodworking machinery and blades.