Enviro News Asia, Milan — PEFC-certified wood plays a central role in the construction of venues for the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2026 (MICO 2026), supporting the Games’ sustainability objectives through traceable and responsibly sourced timber from Italian forests.
The Alpine region of Trentino–Alto Adige leads the initiative by integrating sustainable forest management with regional regeneration. Locally sourced timber, including wood recovered after Storm Vaia and affected by bark beetle infestation, has been repurposed to support circular economy practices and long-term community benefits.
One of the key projects is the redevelopment of the Fabio Canal Cross-Country Ski Stadium in Tesero. The renovation applies a “build-to-last” approach to ensure post-Games use by local communities. Contractor Stroppa Costruzioni Srl used cross-laminated timber (CLT), laminated fir, and larch wood sourced entirely from PEFC-certified forests, selected for durability, low weight, and reduced environmental impact.
The certified wood supply chain also supports major urban Olympic infrastructure. XLAM Dolomiti, a leading Italian structural timber company, contributed exclusively PEFC-certified wood to the construction of the Athletes’ Village in Porta Romana, Milan. The project demonstrates the suitability of certified timber for large-scale urban developments.
Following the Games, the Athletes’ Village will be converted into Italy’s largest affordable student housing complex, providing approximately 1,700 beds for the 2026–2027 academic year. Built on a former railway yard, the development combines six new mass-timber residential buildings with two restored historic structures, ensuring long-term social value beyond the Olympics.
The Olympic program also supports education and craftsmanship. The ENAIP Vocational Training Centre in Tesero, in collaboration with the Autonomous Province of Trento, produced furniture for Olympic venues using PEFC-certified local wood. Fourth-year woodworking students designed and manufactured furnishings for the stadium lounge, applying circular economy principles to bark beetle-affected timber.
ENAIP Tesero holds the distinction of being the first school globally to receive PEFC Chain of Custody certification. Since 2017, students have been trained in sustainable craftsmanship and timber traceability, managing certification procedures as part of their curriculum.
Students also collaborated with local artist Marco Nones to create a PEFC-certified sculpture made from blue-stained wood affected by Storm Vaia. Displayed during the Games, the artwork symbolizes forest resilience, local heritage, and Olympic values.
With global audiences expected across multiple platforms, MICO 2026 highlights how certified wood can deliver sustainable architecture while generating lasting environmental, economic, and social benefits for communities and forests. (*)
