Grown by Nature: A 360° online journey from trees to skyscrapers

On 23 March 2026, CEI-Bois and EOS attended the UNECE event “Grown by Nature: A 360° online journey from trees to skyscrapers.”, which brought together architects, designers, innovators, and forestry experts to discuss recent advances in sustainable materials, bioeconomy solutions and forest management.

Structured as a symbolic journey from forest ecosystems to final products, discussions highlighted the strategic role played by the wood sector in advancing towards a sustainable bioeconomy.

From these discussions, several clear signals stand out:

• Sustainable forest management is essential to a thriving bioeconomy. As forests face growing threats from climate change, storms, and pests, active and sustainable management is critical to preserving their multifunctional roles and supporting long-term climate mitigation.

• Wood is increasingly recognised by architects and building innovators as a transformative material for sustainable construction. As a carbon-neutral, renewable and circular resource, it combines lightweight design, strong thermal performance, visual appeal, and clean construction methods. Across Europe, completed buildings already demonstrate its versatility, forming a growing library of innovative solutions capable of reshaping building culture across all types of real estate, from housing and schools to offices and recreational facilities.

• Across the UNECE region, companies are harnessing wood to drive innovation, transforming it into bio-based and renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. As a cornerstone of the bioeconomy, wood supports multiple sectors, fuelling sustainable fashion through cellulosic fibres and pigments, strengthening renewable energy with timber windmill towers and contributing to eco-friendly cosmetics.

This momentum echoes the voice of CEI-Bois and EOS Secretary General, Silvia Melegari, who addressed the FAO during the celebrations of the International Day of Forests, underscoring that seizing the full potential of wood, notably in construction, depends on a predictable, sustainably managed supply of raw material.