“Whatever the problem, community is the answer”—Margaret J. Wheatley
Over recent years, systems change researchers and practitioners have concluded that building coalitions and working collaboratively is the only way to face the complex issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and social injustice. Yet, most of our business interactions are coined by competitive culture.
Communities of Practice (CoP) promote an open and collaborative approach which enables the participation of a diverse network of organisations, both across supply chains as well as within trades.
Our CoPs gather professionals of the same trade or supply chain level around a shared challenge or opportunity. They are an essential part of our work, guiding what we focus upon as well as informing and validating outputs across our projects. This approach helps to extend impacts and accelerate shared learning within and across the supply chain.
Our CoPs are centred around practical solutions and capacity building and give members the opportunity to prototype innovative approaches together with others. Each community defines its own agenda and schedule of actions based on the needs of its members. Woodknowledge Wales ensures flow of information between CoPs, so that we can progress together.
Join us today to participate in one of our Communities of Practice.
Coming out of the Home-Grown Homes project the community enables members to collaborate in the development of net zero carbon homes, to tackle barriers, promote learning and skills, share experience and encourage the use of tools, techniques and the use of timber in social housing. We’re looking forward to establishing a sister community for asset managers looking at optimised retrofit solutions in 2022.
Lead contact: David Hedges, Diana Waldron
Set up as a catalyst by and for the Welsh architectural community to deliver skills and knowledge to address the climate emergency, members meet bi-monthly. The community facilitates collaboration to support Welsh architects developing low carbon buildings within Wales and the rest of the UK. Its work focuses on overcoming the challenges preventing the development of low carbon buildings as well as supporting clients in creating clear roadmaps to deliver net zero whole life carbon developments.
Lead contacts: Diana Waldron, Clara Koehler
Our longest standing community brings together the majority of timber frame manufacturers in Wales. The focus is on overcoming procurement challenges to supplying zero carbon advanced timber systems, technical innovation and Welsh timber supply as well as enabling joint delivery and bidding processes in the context of social housing.
Lead contacts: Gary Newman, Christiane Lellig
Since summer 2021 small scale sawmillers meet every 4-6 weeks to discuss issues around log supply and demand, species selection, kiln drying, business models and technical support. Current activities revolve around building a cooperative buying group to source quality timber from the national and private estates.
Lead contacts: John Sweeny, Christiane Lellig
Launched in 2023, the community of practice for joinery will create a safe space that allows everyone to discuss common opportunities and shared concerns. From recruitment into the construction sector, to access to joinery grade timber we shall exchange knowledge and collaborate on potential solutions.
Open to all in the Welsh joinery industry. Participation is free.
Lead contacts: Gary Newman, Christiane Lellig
Community news
Housing’s better future
From forest to facade: WoodBUILD 2024 insights for design innovators
Discovering how cooperation benefits small timber processing
Tasty takeaways from a day demystifying building standards
