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INFOR Promotes Structural Timber Construction as a Strategic Pillar for Sustainable Development

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The executive director of the Forestry Institute (INFOR), Sandra Gacitúa, highlighted in a conversation with Acoforag the key role the institution is playing in advancing structural timber construction in Chile, particularly from the Biobío Region. Collaborative efforts with the Regional Government, CORFO, and universities have positioned INFOR as a vital technical actor in this strategic area for the country.

"We are generating all the necessary data to meet the target for timber-built houses," stated Gacitúa, referring to CORFO's regional strategic program, which aims to promote the use of wood in residential construction and foster local productive linkages.

From Forest to Housing

Gacitúa emphasized that the Forestry Institute is working across the entire value chain, from forest to housing. This includes forestry sector statistics, sawmill monitoring, timber availability, and technical regulations to ensure the wood used meets the structural standards required by modern construction.

"One of our concrete contributions is providing validated information that enables decision-making in public policies, particularly in housing, where certified and traceable wood is required," she explained.

In addition to developing data and statistics, INFOR actively participates in updating regulations governing timber construction, collaborating with institutions such as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other public and private stakeholders.

Laboratory, Regulations, and New Data

In the Biobío Region, one of the epicenters of Chile's forestry sector, INFOR collaborates with the structural timber laboratory and supports initiatives to boost wood use in public and private projects. The goal is not only technical but also strategic: to establish wood as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials amid the climate crisis and the search for more sustainable construction solutions.

"We are working to ensure that the wood produced in our forests meets the necessary construction standards, thereby strengthening the national and regional industry," Gacitúa noted.

Information as a Tool for Sustainability

Another aspect reinforcing this approach is INFOR's work in forestry statistics and sector inventories, which help quantify Chile's available timber supply. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Continuous Forest Inventory, a key tool for planning forest resource use, and in 2026, a new national survey is scheduled, providing critical data for wood-based housing policies.

"The forestry sector not only captures carbon but can also offer concrete solutions to address climate change through cleaner, renewable buildings. But for that, we need data, regulations, institutional coordination, and trust in wood as a structural material," concluded the director.

A National Commitment

Structural timber construction is not just a trend—it is part of a national strategy to transition toward a more sustainable, decentralized economy connected with local territories. On this path, INFOR plays a key technical and institutional role, conducting applied research and providing tools for a sustainable transition in the construction sector.

Watch the full interview on Acoforag's YouTube channel: