Students from St Edmund’s College Canberra recently examined sustainability beyond the textbook, with a presentation from Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh.
The session explored how Australia’s managed forests supply renewable materials while supporting biodiversity and long-term forest health, covering forest management, certification and the use of timber in construction.
“We’re helping students understand how resource choices influence environmental outcomes over time,” said Matt.
“Certification is crucial because it gives consumers confidence that the forest will still be there tomorrow – healthier and more resilient than before,” he said. “Teaching the next generation about responsible forestry empowers them to make informed choices that benefit the planet and our communities.”
The visit reflects increasing interest from schools in sustainability topics that connect environmental science with real-world land and resource management.
As Matt noted in closing, “when we choose certified timber, we’re choosing a future built on renewable materials, healthy forests and responsible stewardship. That’s a message every young Australian should hear.”
