Grant Steel from Xlam with Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh and Gary McShane, Xlam, at the Sydney Build Expo.
Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh has used this week’s Sydney Build Expo to emphasise the role forest certification plays in promoting sustainable forestry practices and supporting the use of wood as a renewable and eco-friendly building material. Source: Timberbiz
Mr de Jongh provided two presentations, which focused on the sustainable and eco-friendly aspects of using wood in construction, highlighting the positive impact on the environment when compared to other materials commonly used in building projects. He pointed out that wood is a natural and renewable resource that is both sustainable and cost-effective, making it an ideal choice for many construction applications.
Mr de Jongh also focused on forest certification in the construction sector to help to ensure that wood products are sustainably sourced and meet specific environmental and social standards.
“By using certified wood products, builders and architects can reduce their environmental impact and help to mitigate climate change. Additionally, certification can provide assurance to customers that the wood products they are using have been responsibly sourced, supporting a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly building materials,” Mr de Jongh said.
“It was important to emphasise forest certification plays an important role in promoting sustainable forestry practices and supporting the use of wood as a renewable and eco-friendly building material. By ensuring that wood products come from responsibly managed forests, certification helps to protect the environment, support local communities, and promote sustainable economic development,” he said.
Mr de Jongh also highlighted the carbon benefits of using wood in construction. Unlike other materials such as steel and concrete, which require a significant amount of energy to produce, wood has a much lower carbon footprint. Additionally, trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, making wood an effective tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
With more than 300 accredited presentations, 500-plus exhibitors, and countless networking opportunities, Sydney Build is Australia’s largest construction, architecture, and infrastructure show.
It offered an opportunity for industry professionals to come together, learn from each other, and share knowledge and best practices. Contractors, architects, engineers, house builders, developers, government officials, and other construction professionals from across Australia attended the event, making it an excellent platform for Responsible Wood to share their sustainability message.
