In preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the France Bois 2024 project has been mobilizing the French timber industry to promote its use in the construction of infrastructure, with approximately 83% of the projects estimated to be completed by the end of 2023.
As part of the preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, a major project called France Bois 2024 has been launched to promote the use of timber in the construction and development of Olympic facilities. Established in 2018, this project aims to support the Games’ goals of reducing carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement while highlighting the ecological and societal advantages of the French timber industry.
France Bois 2024 is based on three main components. Firstly, it develops technical recommendations for Solideo (the Olympic construction delivery company), as well as public and private contracting authorities, to encourage the use of timber in construction projects. Secondly, it supports and communicates with timber industry companies, helping them fully engage in consultations and projects related to the Games. Finally, it focuses on training professionals in the timber industry, strengthening their expertise and skills to meet the requirements of Olympic projects. The website provides useful information in the form of guidebooks, references and more; an example can be found in the methodological guide to carrying out EXE and PAC studies for timber construction projects.
“France Bois 2024 is an initiative taken by the industry to support the implementation of the Solidéo requirements for the Olympic Games in Paris next year,” Paul-Emmanuel Huet, Executive Director of PEFC France, said in an interview with ArchiExpo e-Magazine.
“We’ve been working with them for several years now; when I say we, I mean the various certification systems—PEFC, FSC, BOIS DE FRANCE—to see concretely how we can work with companies to achieve the Solidéo objectives, which include 100% certified wood and 30% French wood. There were a number of discussions and tools, including a traceability tool and a brochure.”
The France Bois 2024 project receives financial support from CODIFAB (Professional Committee for the Development of French Furniture and Timber Industries) and the national interprofessional organization France Bois Forêt. Presided over by Georges-Henri Florentin, it is a strategic project overseen by the CSF Bois (Strategic Committee for the Timber Industry).
WATCH: The video below will take you on a visit to the construction site of the village des athlètes. It’s in French, but you can add subtitles and have them automatically translated into the language of your choosing.
The Paris 2024 Games provide a unique opportunity to support the development of the timber industry in France. Not only do they promote the emergence of companies specializing in timber construction, but they also facilitate the recruitment of young professionals and technicians, thereby strengthening the industry’s expertise.
According to estimates, approximately 83% of the construction projects for the Paris 2024 Games are expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Among these projects, the Olympic Village will play a key role with several timber constructions planned. The “universeine – lots A and B” buildings will be constructed using timber structures or facades combined with low-carbon concrete. They aim to reduce carbon footprint by 40% compared to conventional buildings, in accordance with Solideo’s requirements and the Paris Agreement.
The fluvial eco-district, part of the Olympic and Paralympic Village, will also be built according to strict criteria for affordable housing, social diversity, architectural diversity, and environmental requirements. This project will showcase the use of timber in urban construction and highlight the advancements of the timber industry in these areas.
In addition to the Olympic Village, other sites for the Paris 2024 Games will benefit from the use of timber, including the Olympic Aquatics Center, which will incorporate timber in its structure. The use of timber in these iconic projects will showcase the technical performance of the material and demonstrate its potential in demanding fields.
In summary, France Bois 2024 represents an ambitious initiative to promote the use of timber in the construction of infrastructure for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This mobilization of the French timber industry will contribute to carbon emissions reduction and job creation while highlighting the ecological advantages of the material. With approximately 83% of construction projects estimated to be completed by the end of 2023, the timber industry is ready to play a key role in the success of the Paris 2024 Games.
WATCH our Facebook live interview with Yann Krysinksi, Deputy Head of Project Management at Solidéo, a company created specifically for overseeing the completion of the venues and infrastructure for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Challenges and Solutions: French Wood at Paris 2024 Games
The integration of French wood in the infrastructure of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games presents both opportunities and challenges. One of the key challenges is the ambitious goal of constructing buildings using 50% French wood from sustainable sources. To meet this target, it is crucial to establish robust supply chains and ensure the availability of quality wood from local forests. Collaboration between stakeholders in the forestry and construction sectors is essential to streamline processes and guarantee the procurement of certified, eco-friendly wood.
To overcome these challenges, France Bois 2024, a collaborative initiative, plays a vital role. This project brings together industry experts, project owners, and general contractors to provide technical guidance, training, and support. France Bois 2024 facilitates knowledge sharing, promotes best practices, and helps establish partnerships throughout the wood construction value chain. By fostering cooperation and providing resources, the project ensures that the necessary expertise and materials are readily available to meet the wood construction targets.
Additionally, promoting innovation and research is crucial for the success of French wood integration in the games. Investing in research and development enables the advancement of wood construction techniques, such as engineered wood products and sustainable building systems. This facilitates the realization of ambitious architectural designs while adhering to sustainability objectives. By encouraging collaboration between research institutions, industry players, and regulatory bodies, France Bois 2024 fosters innovation and drives the adoption of cutting-edge wood construction solutions.
The challenges of incorporating French wood in the Paris 2024 Games infrastructure are significant, but they can be effectively addressed through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. By leveraging the expertise of industry stakeholders and investing in sustainable practices, the project ensures the availability of quality wood, supports local economies and contributes to carbon reduction goals. The successful integration of French wood in the games will not only create a legacy of sustainable buildings but also establish France as a global leader in wood construction and inspire future projects worldwide.
