Why wood?
The science is clear. The global economy must function in tandem with the natural environment. And, this means we need a circular bioeconomy that prioritises renewable, low-embodied carbon materials and products, such as wood.
Wood sourced from technologically advanced, sustainably managed forests consumes less energy inherently through production, manufacturing, transportation, and application when compared to many alternative materials.
Its potential for use has also expanded due to advancements in processing, machining, and engineering so much so it’s now capable of replacing high-embodied carbon materials in an expanding range of technical and higher specification applications.
Advanced new engineered wood products are enabling architects to design better, bigger, and higher buildings in timber. At the same time, innovative, more environmentally sound preservative treatments, fire-retardant coatings, timber modifications and thermo-treatments are enhancing its natural durability.
As more timber is used in constructing buildings, global demand for wood will increase, compounding cost and supply issues as a result. Rising energy prices, global supply chain challenges, geo-political tensions, a declared climate emergency and a zero carbon transition offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for validating and utilising locally grown timber in construction as our mainstream option.
It is time for change…
The built environment
Our vision involves increasing the adoption of locally sourced, sustainably managed, homegrown timber in the design, manufacture, and construction of the built environment. This vision seeks to:
Reduce reliance on imported timber, so increasing the use of locally sourced, sustainable timber products, generating new green jobs and reducing the environmental impact of transporting timber from overseas.
Create a more sustainable and resilient construction industry that reduces the embodied and operational carbon of buildings and drives the growth of forestry and timber industries.
Support biodiversity and create more sustainable forestry practices globally. By using locally sourced timber, better forest management practices will be implement reducing the risk of global deforestation.
Accelerate the net zero carbon transition stimulating job and wealth creation that secures investment in human capital and the skills and competencies required to support a seed to building supply chain.
Overall, the vision for using more homegrown timber in construction aims to create a more sustainable and resilient built environment that supports the growth of localised timber industries, supports the transition to zero carbon, and promotes biodiversity and sustainable forestry practices.
