RESPONSIBLE WOOD

How certified forest products are combating climate change

With the phrase “net zer”’ being bandied around, and the evergrowing public discussion on carbon, climate and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, there couldn’t be a better time to talk about the key role that certified forest management and certified forest products play in combating climate change.

Timber is the ultimate renewable resource and has been used in construction for centuries, but where does it fit inside a circular economy model and how does it contribute to carbon cycles?

It is well known that forests are a major component of the global carbon cycle because of the large amounts of carbon they capture in the soil and their biomass. Perhaps less known is that the storage of carbon in harvested wood products gradually increases over time, especially for long-lived products such as electricity poles and floorboards. This was highlighted in a report published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries in 2021 based on research conducted by Dr Fabiano Ximenes et al. Notably, the report also highlights that carbon is effectively stored in products, even beyond their intended use in a landfill.

Whilst the relationship between forests and carbon, and timber as a renewable resource might be well known, it is important to remember that not all forests and forest products are managed in the same way. Forests certified through globally recognised standards like the joint Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS/NZS 4708 – 2021) are designed to manage forest values and productivity for generations to come. Deforestation and conversion practices are not supported in the standard. sustainable forest management standard are independently audited each year against internationally endorsed and science-based, world-class standards. The standard has been designed to create outcomes that are socially just, culturally relevant, ecologically sound, and economically viable. In addition, internationally recognised chain of custody certification standards (like PEFC ST 2002 and AS 4707) promote sustainable forest products through forest product supply chain transparency and traceability.

“The forestry and timber industries have a chance to share a compelling story, highlighting the role that their forests and products play in the fight against climate change,” says Jonathan Tibbits, Responsible Wood Marketing & Communications Manager.

Mr Tibbits added: “Research has shown that when it comes to product substitution when timber products replace non-renewable alternatives, it results in lower net greenhouse gas emissions.”

This year’s Timber Design Awards continues to publicly recognise excellence in the use of Australian Certified Timber and/or timber products that are sourced from certified Australian forests.

Peninsula Grammar’s new creative hub in Mt Eliza. 2022 Entrant: Alatus (creative school hub in Mt Eliza). Architect: FJMT Studio. Builder: 2Construct. Photographer: John Gollings.