Introducing Australian Sustainable Hardwoods
Most people can agree that the importance of environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. As global temperatures continue to rise and natural resources become scarcer, it has become clear that every individual and organization is taking steps towards a better understanding of sustainability. There is a growing number of forest product companies who recognise the role they play in protecting the environment and taking significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices through independent certification. From small timber traders to publicly listed companies, businesses of all sizes in our industry are realizing that environmental sustainability is not only good for the planet but also makes good business sense. Today in meet your Certified Supplier we meet one such company well on this journey – introducing Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH).
ASH a leading supplier of innovative hardwood products, recently welcomed Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh to tour their facilities, including the impressive MASSLAM product. The tour highlighted ASH’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts in promoting the use of wood as the ultimate renewable building material.
UTAS page header image credit: John Wardle Architects, Fairbrother and Adam Gibson Photography
Matt de Jongh (Sustainability Manager, Responsible Wood) and Vince Hurley (Managing Director, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods)
Vince Hurley, Managing Director of Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, emphasized the company’s efforts to add value to their timber, from log to finished product, with their range of species including Victorian Ash, Tasmanian Oak, American Oak and Plantation Oak. He highlighted the benefits of their MASSLAM product, stating, “Our MASSLAM range utilises uniquely attractive Australian timbers and our CNC process allows for longer spans, higher ceilings, increased floor space, lesser beam depth, and lower associated installation costs. Mass timber like MASSLAM is cheaper to construct than concrete and steel, looks better, is safe, sustainable, and efficient.”
Matt de Jongh praised ASH’s commitment to sustainability, stating,
“ASH’s belief that certified sustainable timber is the ultimate renewable is commendable. By sourcing from well-managed certified timber sources, ASH is promoting the use of arguably the most environmentally friendly building product available.”
He adds,
“Certification provides public confidence to your customers, supply chain and industry that you take responsibly sourcing seriously. It shows your commitment to making sure forest products are around for the next generation and that workers are looked after in the process.”
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods’ MASSLAM up close, Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub
ASH is committed to reducing carbon emissions in the building industry and believes that swapping concrete and steel for timber, whether in large or small buildings, will greatly contribute to this goal. Hurley emphasized the importance of communicating to their customers the benefits of using timber in construction and its positive impact on the environment.
The use of wood in construction and building products has numerous advantages over other materials, especially when it comes to reducing the effects of climate change. Wood is a natural, renewable resource that helps to reduce resource depletion of our planet, and increase the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere and the carbon dioxide stored in wood. In other words, wood is a carbon sink, absorbing and storing carbon throughout its life cycle.
Sustainability in action – Australian Sustainable Hardwoods’ MASSLAM during construction of Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub, replacing the need for additional concrete and steel
By choosing timber as a building material, not only do we reduce the negative impact on the environment, but we also support a sustainable industry that provides jobs and helps to preserve our forests for future generations. Wood is the ultimate renewable, and by using it in construction, we can help ensure a sustainable future for all.
It is important to help everyone understand the natural advantages of wood and its positive contribution to reducing the effects of climate change. Using wood in construction instead of non-renewable materials such as concrete and steel can greatly reduce the carbon footprint of the building industry. This is why ASH is committed to sourcing sustainable forest products and promoting the use of timber in construction, as a step towards a more sustainable future.
The final product: Gippsland Performing Arts Centre – photo credit Jackson Architecture and Katsieris Origami.
Like to know more?
Click here to find out more about MASSLAM and Australian Sustainable Hardwoods.
Click here to search for Australian Sustainable Hardwoods’ certification details on our public database.
