David Venables
www.americanhardwood.org/ David Venables is European Director for the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). David is an acknowledged expert on wood markets and the uses and applications of hardwood species and products. He is an experienced speaker, frequently making presentations on American hardwoods and other wood related topics, to trade, manufacturing and architectural audiences worldwide.The challenge now is to make sure the timber sector does not get left behind. We cannot just assume we have the best arguments and be complacent. We must all throw our weight behind this potentially favourable development, and flood the market with fresh and accurate data of the highest quality and information that is thoroughly and independently audited (critically reviewed). Then we really will have the authority to demand change. We are under no illusion that the current shift towards wood in construction is being driven by cost, performance and technological development. But we also believe environmental considerations will in time become just as important a demand driver. By taking a lead now we (wood industries) will have an opportunity to shape the policies that will drive sustainable design and construction in the future.