NEWS
Decarbonising building industry by unlocking forests
T
he University of Melbourne
Group highlighted the role of
recently hosted the
engineered wood products in
International Conference
replacing emissions-intensive
on Decarbonising the Building
materials like steel and concrete.
Industry, bringing together global
“Engineered timber products like
leaders, researchers and industry
cross-laminated timber (CLT)
professionals, including leaders
are game-changers. They not
in forestry, timber production and
only reduce embodied carbon
sustainability.
but also enable faster and more
A standout session of the
efficient construction processes,”
conference was the panel
Katie said. “This was further
discussion on “How to Maximise
supported during the recent visit
the Use of Australian Forest
of His Majesty, King Charles III
Resources to Decarbonise the
to the XLam supplied Cowper
Building Industry.” Moderated
Street Development in Sydney.
by Dr. Bill Leggate from the
The King, through the Kings Trust
Department of Primary Industries,
Australia, very much focuses on
the session explored the pivotal
environmental credentials.”
• Matt de Jongh (Responsible Wood), Chris McEvoy (Radial
Timbers), Katie Fowden (Hyne Group), Shona Heading (HQ Plantations), Professor Tripti Singh (Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life) and Dr Bill Leggate (Department of Primary Industries) during a panel discussion at the International Conference on Decarbonising the Building Industry conference,.
role of Australia’s unique and
She urged the construction
sustainably managed forests
industry to prioritise homegrown,
range of construction needs,”
the Department of Primary
in providing timber—a strong,
certified timber products to amplify
Chris said. “From structural
Industries, who played a key
versatile, cost-effective, and
environmental and economic
beams to flooring and cladding,
role in organising the session,
carbon-negative building
benefits.
our timber products are adaptable
reflected on the importance
material—to support housing
Professor Tripti Singh from
to the modern architect’s vision
of the conference in bringing
and construction industries in
the Centre for Timber Durability
while helping reduce carbon
experts together. “This session
addressing climate challenges.
and Design Life focused on the
footprints.”
showcased the best of what
“Australian forests are not
importance of advancing timber
Matt de Jongh from
Australian forestry and timber
only unique in their biodiversity
durability and Circularity to
Responsible Wood underscored
sectors have to offer,” Rhianna
but also hold the key to achieving
increase its adoption in large-
the importance of certification in
said. “The insights from the
significant carbon reductions
scale projects. She highlighted
ensuring that timber is sourced
panellists demonstrated we
in our built environment,” Dr.
how circularity principles, such as
sustainably and responsibly.
have the capability, skills and
Leggate said. “Our panel today
designing for reuse, recycling, and
“Certification is not just a label;
the products to significantly
is an incredible lineup of experts
minimising waste, can significantly
it’s a commitment to protecting
decarbonise the building industry
who will delve into the innovative
extend the lifecycle of timber
our forests while supporting a
today,” she said.
ways we can leverage forest
products, “Investing in research
sustainable timber industry,”
resources sustainably.”
and innovation to enhance the
Matt said. “It gives architects,
a resounding call to action:
Shona Heading from HQ
longevity of timber structures
builders, and consumers’
to unlock the full potential of
Plantations emphasised the
is crucial,” Tripti said. “When
confidence that the materials
Australian forest resources
importance of sustainable forest
we ensure that timber products
they’re using contribute positively
while maintaining a steadfast
management as the foundation
are durable and adaptable to
to the environment.” Matt also
commitment to sustainability.
of a low-carbon construction
Australia’s climate conditions,
highlighted the need for stronger
“Australia has the resources
industry. “When forests are
we not only make them a more
collaboration across the supply
and expertise, to support
responsibly managed, we can
attractive option for construction
chain to address challenges
decarbonisation in the building
achieve a balance that supports
on every scale but also align with
such as embodied carbon
sector,” Dr. Leggate said in
biodiversity, produces high-quality
sustainable practices by reducing
measurement and consumer
closing. “If we continue to
timber, and sequesters carbon,”
environmental impact and
awareness. “Our industry has a
innovate, collaborate, and
Shona noted. “The first step
supporting a circular economy.”
tremendous opportunity to lead
champion sustainable practices,
in decarbonising the building
Chris McEvoy of Radial
in sustainability, but it requires
our forests can continue to supply
industry is ensuring our forests
Timbers offered a perspective on
all of us—forest managers,
strong, versatile, cost effective
continue to be well-managed for
timber’s versatility. “Australian
manufacturers, researchers, and
and carbon negative timber to
generations to come.”
forests provide us with hardwoods
policymakers—to work together.”
manufacture residential and
and softwoods that meet a wide
Rhianna Robinson from
Katie Fowden from the Hyne
22
w w w.ti mberb iz . c o m . a u
AUS T RAL AS I AN T IM B ER M A GA Z IN E
The panel concluded with
commercial buildings.”
N OVEM BER | D EC EM BER 2 0 2 4
ATM
V34N5