Timber Queensland has welcomed last week’s landmark decision by governments at COP28 which will have wide ranging impacts for both the forest products and building sectors. Source: Timberbiz
The Australian Government, along with 16 other countries including the United States, the UK, France and Japan, has committed to increasing the use of wood in the built environment by 2030 as part of a new Greening Construction with Sustainable Wood initiative.
“This landmark decision recognises the benefits of using wood products which capture and store large amounts of carbon while also having far less emissions compared to other building materials,” said Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens, who is attending COP28 in Dubai.
“Globally the building and construction industry accounts for a third of total emissions. This commitment provides a clear recognition of the role for Governments to promote the greater use of wood from sustainably managed forests which can greatly reduce the carbon footprint from the built environment,” he said.
“Previously a lot of policy focus has been on the operational energy efficiency of buildings rather than the embodied energy of the materials used. This is real progress and can collectively help advance timber supply chain readiness and capacity with builders, engineers and architects for climate proofing future buildings.”
Actions to be applied under the initiative include removing policy and technical barriers for the greater uptake of timber building systems, advancing R&D in design and construction and knowledge transfer.
“Within Queensland we are already working with the state government on the development of a carbon positive roadmap for the forest and timber industry which will include opportunities to contribute to lower carbon outcomes for future public infrastructure and housing needs,” Mr Stephens said.
“We are particularly excited by the opportunities for timber systems to support essential infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.”
The Queensland Government has committed to a climate positive Games and is consulting widely with industry bodies and stakeholders to deliver on key objectives.
Speaking at COP28 the Queensland Deputy Premier, Steven Miles, said, “importantly, we have committed to a climate positive 2032 Games and this will go a long way in helping us achieve that goal while delivering the infrastructure our growing state needs.”.
“Not only will this help protect our environment, it will help strengthen the Queensland economy for the future.
