The Professional Congress on Wood Conservation and Treatment, also known as Expocida Madera 2025, brought together more than 200 professionals in Bilbao to discuss the increasing role of wood in modern building. This major event, organized by the National Association of Environmental Health Companies (ANECPLA), took place on March 20 and 21 at the Bizkaia Aretoa, establishing itself as a key reference in wood conservation and treatment in Spain.
In the opening conference, Professor Juan Ignacio Fernández-Golfín, from the Institute of Forest Sciences of the INIA-CSIC, highlighted that wood is shaping up to be the building material of the future for two main reasons: the need for an industrialized construction that reduces costs and environmental impact, and its considerable environmental benefits, especially its ability to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
Fernández-Golfín also pointed out that wood is the only construction material that provides carbon credits, which helps to offset the disadvantages of materials like steel and concrete. This feature makes it essential for achieving high sustainable environmental standards in the construction sector.
On the other hand, Jorge Galván, a forestry engineer and general director of ANECPLA, emphasized the importance of having professionals specialized in managing pests that affect wood, such as termites and woodworm. Galván noted that these experts are vital to ensure the correct maintenance of wood and apply treatments that are safe for both the material and human health and the environment.
ANECPLA, which brings together more than 560 companies in the environmental health sector in Spain, works to strengthen a professional sector that promotes public health and environmental protection, while also combating unqualified practice in the industry.
Expocida Madera 2025 stands as an essential platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences on the use and treatment of wood in construction. The conclusions and advancements presented at this congress are expected to drive the adoption of more sustainable practices in the building sector in the coming years.
