An Honorary Visit to the CRC-BD Research Chair: Discussions on Innovation, Wood, and Sustainable Construction
The Renewable Materials Research Centre ( CRMR) is proud to highlight the visit, on August 5, 2026, of Mr. Jean-François Béland, Associate Deputy Minister for Forests at the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF), as well as Ms. Charleen Salesse, Senior Strategic Advisor at the Office of the Associate Deputy Minister for Forests.
The meeting was held as part of the activities of the Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Buildings (CRC-BD), led by its chairholder, Professor Pierre Blanchet.
Hosted at Université Laval’s Gene-H.-Kruger Pavilion, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the scientific expertise and leadership of the CRC-BD Chair in sustainable construction and the innovative use of wood as a building material. It also offered participants the chance to explore our research infrastructure and foster meaningful exchanges among government representatives, researchers, and stakeholders committed to developing sustainable solutions for Quebec’s forest sector.
Throughout the meeting, the visitors had the opportunity to learn about the Chair’s main research areas, ongoing projects, and technological advances developed by the research team. Discussions focused on several strategic issues related to enhancing the value of wood in next-generation buildings, including improving the environmental performance of buildings, innovation in construction systems, the circular economy, and the central role of bio-based materials in the ecological transition.
The discussions also addressed the prospects of Quebec’s forest and wood sector, at a time when reducing the carbon footprint of the building sector represents a major challenge. Through its research, the CRC-BD actively contributes to the emergence of innovative solutions that promote greater use of wood and renewable materials in tomorrow’s infrastructure.
This meeting underscores the importance of strengthening ties among the research community, public decision-makers, and industry partners in order to accelerate knowledge transfer and the deployment of innovations that address today’s societal challenges. It also reflects a shared commitment to supporting a bio-based economy founded on responsible forest resource management and the development of high-value-added technologies.
The CRMR warmly thanks Mr. Jean-François Béland and Ms. Charleen Salesse for their visit, their keen interest in the Chair’s research activities, and the quality of the discussions held. Their presence demonstrates the importance of university research in developing sustainable solutions and showcasing Quebec’s expertise in wood construction.
The CRMR also congratulates Professor Pierre Blanchet and the entire Chair team for their ongoing commitment, dynamism, and outstanding contribution to advancing knowledge and sustainable construction in Quebec. This visit is a meaningful recognition of the work accomplished and of the strategic role played by the Chair in the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
By: Besma Bouslimi