Unlocking the Potential of Australian Forests
The University of Melbourne recently hosted the International Conference on Decarbonising the Building Industry, bringing together global leaders, researchers and industry professionals, including forestry, timber production and sustainability leaders. A standout session of the conference was the panel discussion on How to Maximise the Use of Australian Forest Resources to Decarbonise the Building Industry. Moderated by Dr. Bill Leggate from the Department of Primary Industries, the session explored the pivotal role of Australia’s unique and sustainably managed forests in providing timber—a strong, versatile, cost-effective, and carbon-negative building material—to support housing and construction industries in addressing climate challenges.
“Australian forests are not only unique in their biodiversity but also hold the key to achieving significant carbon reductions in our built environment,” Dr. Leggate said in his opening remarks. “Our panel today is an incredible lineup of experts who will delve into the innovative ways we can leverage forest resources sustainably.”
DBI Panel discusses maximising the use of Australian forest resources.
Sustainability Across the Timber Supply Chain
Shona Heading from HQ Plantations emphasised the importance of sustainable forest management as the foundation of a low-carbon construction industry.
“When forests are responsibly managed, we can achieve a balance that supports biodiversity, produces high-quality timber, and sequesters carbon. The first step in decarbonising the building industry is ensuring our forests continue to be well-managed for generations to come.”
Katie Fowden from the Hyne Group highlighted the role of engineered wood products in replacing emissions-intensive materials like steel and concrete.
“Engineered timber products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) are game-changers. They not only reduce embodied carbon but also enable faster and more efficient construction processes. This was further supported during the recent visit of His Majesty, King Charles III to the XLam supplied Cowper Street Development in Sydney. The King, through the Kings Trust Australia, very much focuses on environmental credentials.”
Katie urged the construction industry to prioritise homegrown, certified timber products to amplify environmental and economic benefits.
Katie Fowden presents at DBI Conference 2024.
Innovation and Research
Professor Tripti Singh from the Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life focused on the importance of advancing timber durability and Circularity to increase its adoption in large-scale projects. She highlighted how circularity principles, such as designing for reuse, recycling, and minimising waste, can significantly extend the lifecycle of timber products,
“Investing in research and innovation to enhance the longevity of timber structures is crucial. When we ensure that timber products are durable and adaptable to Australia’s climate conditions, we not only make them a more attractive option for construction on every scale but also align with sustainable practices by reducing environmental impact and supporting a circular economy.”
Chris McEvoy of Radial Timbers offered a perspective on timber’s versatility.
“Australian forests provide us with hardwoods and softwoods that meet a wide range of construction needs. From structural beams to flooring and cladding, our timber products are adaptable to the modern architect’s vision while helping reduce carbon footprints.”
Certification and Responsible Supply Chains
Matt de Jongh, Responsible Wood’s Sustainability Manager, underscored the importance of certification in ensuring that timber is sourced sustainably and responsibly.
“Certification is not just a label; it’s a commitment to protecting our forests while supporting a sustainable timber industry. It gives architects, builders, and consumers confidence that the materials they’re using contribute positively to the environment.”
Matt also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration across the supply chain to address challenges such as embodied carbon measurement and consumer awareness.
“Our industry has a tremendous opportunity to lead in sustainability, but it requires all of us—forest managers, manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers—to work together.”
Matt de Jongh presents at DBI Conference 2024.
Organising for Impact
Rhianna Robinson from the Department of Primary Industries, who played a key role in organising the session, reflected on the importance of bringing experts together at the conference.
This session showcased the best of what Australian forestry and timber sectors offer. The insights from the panellists demonstrated we have the capability, skills and products to significantly decarbonise the building industry today.”
Looking Forward
The panel concluded with an obvious call to action: to unlock the full potential of Australian forest resources while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
“Australia has the resources and expertise to support decarbonisation in the building sector,”
Dr Leggate said in closing.
“If we continue to innovate, collaborate, and champion sustainable practices, our forests can continue to supply strong, versatile, cost-effective and carbon-negative timber to manufacture residential and commercial buildings.”
This session highlighted the connection between Australia’s sustainably managed forests and the urgent need to reduce the building industry’s carbon footprint. It also underscored the potential of timber as a cornerstone for sustainable construction, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.
