FWPA has three new Carbon Guides that provide a source of knowledge, to expand the understanding of the positive role forest and wood products play in the carbon economy. Source: Timberbiz, FWPA
Forests are a significant player in the global carbon cycle and continue to play a key role in addressing the changing climate. As we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the resource-rich forest sector continues to emerge as an industry that can bolster ongoing efforts in this space through the provision of timber building materials produced from sustainably managed forests.
The guides shed light on the multifaceted impact of plantations, commercial forests, and the resulting wood products on Australia’s carbon balance.
Notably, the guides illustrate not only the widely acknowledged carbon sequestration capabilities of forests, but also the often-underestimated role that wood, both during its service life and after disposal, plays in carbon storage.
To support the building sector’s own drive towards decarbonisation, this trilogy of documents developed by FWPA explains key carbon-related terms spanning the lifecycle of wood products and the buildings they are used to help construct.
Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs at FWPA said success in hitting emissions reduction targets hinges on collaboration.
“The forest and wood products industry must align with the growing carbon-consciousness of the construction sector,” Mr Peachey said.
“Ensuring an understanding of concepts and frameworks; engaging with initiatives and advocacy opportunities and exploring incentives that highlight why timber stands out as a low-carbon alternative that can effectively contribute to Australia’s sustainable built environment are all essential.”
These new FWPA-funded Carbon Guides provide industry stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to steer towards a sustainable future. They will play a pivotal role in the carbon dialogue and position the industry to shape a future where timber assumes a vital role in curbing carbon emissions and driving sustainable growth.
The Carbon Primer and Glossary is for forest and wood product sector company representatives. It clarifies a range of carbon and greenhouse gas concepts, terms, and definitions. It is intended to upskill the sector on frameworks shaping the market for forest and wood products, particularly those used in construction. This guide will support timber industry stakeholder understanding and participation in the carbon/sustainability dialogue, which is rapidly evolving.
The Forests, Plantations, Wood Products and Australia’s Carbon Balance Guide is for policy makers. This credible and easy-to-understand resource is designed to clarify and upskill policy makers on how native forestry, plantations, imported timber, and wood products can sustainably meet the modern needs of the economy, including the circular economy and various carbon frameworks. This will support increased policies that favour forest and wood products.
The final guide – The WoodSolutions Carbon and Wood Products Technical Guide will be available soon, and will be aimed at wood product users, including building and design professionals.
FWPA’s Carbon Guides were created in collaboration with Thinkstep ANZ and Dr Fabiano Ximines, Senior Research Scientist at the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
