‘Wood First’ motion for Council buildings passed
By Alannah Kenny
SOUTH Dublin County Council has passed a new ‘Wood First’ policy for new Council-funded buildings.
The Council has requested the use of wood as the primary building material to be applied where practical for all new and modified buildings funded by the Council.
It follows a motion from Green Party councillor Francis Noel Duffy to make better use of organic materials like wood in the construction industry.
On Tuesday, Green Party Spokesperson on Planning and Housing, Councillor Duffy, expressed her optimism in relation to the new motion being passed unanimously.
He believes that it will allow the Council to “lead the way in sustainable procurement practices” and that it will open up the public’s perception of using “sustainable construction methods”.
Cllr Duffy also mentioned the “many side benefits” from the creation of such an industry like recreational facilities, water purification and the reduced risk of soil erosion and flooding.
She highlighted the fact that South Dublin County Council is the first Council in Ireland to follow international policies regarding this motion.
Similar international policies include the ‘Wood First Act’ in British Columbia and Japan’s ‘Law No. 36’ which promotes using wood materials for public buildings.
