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The proposed Academic Wood Tower build at the University of Toronto, Canada will be an iconic, precedent-setting building at a unique site on St. George campus. The tower will be the Canada’s tallest academic timber building. It is intended that the tower become a prototype for the use of mass timber both nationally and worldwide. Source: Timberbiz Given the prominent sustainable effort driving the project, the design approach will both reveal this unique timber structure to the street, while also responsibly designing the building envelope to respond to its four unique solar conditions via a passive design strategy. The intent is one that responds specifically to its context, while also delivering the highest energy performance and thermal comfort solution. The site offers a strong, highly visible location. A fully glazed façade to the north will showcase a timber structure to great effect along the Bloor St corridor. The ability to expose underside of timber decks will provide an attractive finished ceiling, with a resulting interior character evocative of Toronto loft buildings. The Academic Wood Tower will primarily accommodate the academic and research requirements of three groups: Rotman School of Management, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy in the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education. Even prior to construction, the Academic Wood Tower was attracting significant attention for its innovative design. Designed by award-winning Canadian firms Patkau Architects and MJMA Architecture & Design with consulting from Blackwell Structural Engineers and Smith+Andersen, the Academic Wood Tower’s unique and sustainable structure has already won a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence. The same team worked on U of T’s Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, which included the tower’s foundation and basement as part of its construction. Now, with the first deliveries of mass-timber components to the site, construction of the Academic Wood Tower is proceeding under the management of industry leader Pomerleau. The university anticipates completing the building in 2026. The building is expected to serve as a case study for designers and engineers who can analyze this milestone achievement and potentially apply the tower’s best practices to their own projects.

Indonesia’s 2019 wildfires burned 3.1 million hectares, an area bigger than Belgium, blanketed six other countries in smoky haze, released almost 604 million tonnes of CO2 and caused some 900,000 people to report respiratory illnesses. The fires also inflicted US$5.2 billion in losses in Indonesia, according to the World Bank, adding to the US$16 billion caused by even larger fires in 2015. Source: Timberbiz According to the UN Environment Program (UNEP) worse is still to come; the UN body expects a 14% increase in forest fires globally by 2030 due to a mixture of climate change and changing land use. But in Indonesia, a UNEP-led integrated fire management pilot project, financed by USAID, has, since 2021, helped build greater fire resistance in three of the country’s most fire-prone districts. It draws inspiration from a “cluster-based” approach towards land management practiced in South Africa bringing together the knowhow of community fire-fighting brigades like Marlizar’s, the reach of government agencies, and the resources of some of Indonesia’s largest private companies. The project’s aim of enhancing coordination between community, government, and private land users could hold lessons for fire-prone countries around the world. “Forest fires inflict massive humanitarian, environmental and economic costs, especially when they occur on carbon-rich peatlands, so it’s in everyone’s interest to prevent them from breaking out,” says UNEPs program officer Johan Kief. “Indonesia has set ambitious goals on halting deforestation and reducing carbon emissions—reducing the risk of fires is a key component of achieving them.” After UNEP began forming fire prevention clusters in 2021, no fire hotspots were found in the first pilot district, Central Kalimantan’s Pulang Pisau, in the 2022 dry season. In Riau’s Pelalawan district, where Teluk Maranti is located, the number of reported fires decreased from 139 in 2021 to 88 in 2022. In South Sumatra’s Ogan Komering Ilir district, the third pilot area, the number of reported fires declined from 345 to 109. Based on the results achieved in the initial three pilot districts, the project is expanding to a further six priority districts, with the aim of eventually implementing the approach nationwide. “The efficacy of collaborative approaches to fire prevention has been proven through these clusters. Sharing the experience of these three districts not just in Indonesia, but also to other peat-rich and fire-prone countries in Latin America and southern Africa, is a contribution from Indonesia to the world,” said Bambang Suryaputra, Head of the Centre for Operation Control at Indonesia’s disaster prevention agency, BNPB. Indonesia has the third largest area of forest cover in the world, behind only Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But as with elsewhere on an archipelago that was 84% forest in 1900, the road that leads from Riau’s provincial capital Pekabaru to the UNEP pilot district Palalawan, tells the story of how industry and agriculture has led the forest to recede. Kilometre after kilometre, the cacophony of jungle has been replaced with uniform blocks of squat glossy green oil palm, spindly brown acacia, and white dappled rubber. At least 14 companies hold concessions in Palalawan district. One of the largest is paper and pulp maker APRIL, with some 150,000 hectares of acacia estate. Most fires in Palalawan break out on community rather than company land, APRIL’s deputy chief of fire and emergency response, Mr. Yuneldi says, but even when fires occur outside the company’s estate, APRIL has sent its ample resources, equipment, and personnel to assist the police and military in putting down fires. Equipped with satellite imaging and real time weather tracking technology, the resources at APRIL’s fire centre are a far cry from those available to community firefighters like Marlizar and his team, who gauge the dryness of the peatland they patrol by the way it falls through their fingers. It is these differences in resources that UNEP’s cluster approach is designed to address, through developing an integrated strategy to take on a challenge that affects everyone. In Teluk Meranti, community-based awareness raising efforts are paying off: new signage cautions fishers and bird hunters against tossing cigarette butts or starting cooking fires, and farmers have a better understand of the risks involved in burning dry peatland.

Forestry and wood industry jobs were up 1.4% from 2012 to 2022 in Europe. In 2022, 3.6 million people worked in different fields in forestry and wood-based industry in the EU, a 1.4% increase compared with 2012. Source: Timberbiz Total employment in all areas in the EU increased by 8.4% between 2012 and 2022. In terms of employment status, 3.2 million people were employed in activities related to forestry and wood-based industry in 2022 (classified by NACE Rev. 2), and another 411 000 people were self-employed in that sector. The activity that employed the most people in the forestry and wood-based industry was the manufacture of furniture, which recorded a total of 1.1 million employed people and 165 000 self-employed people. From 2012 to 2022, employment in this field increased 0.9%.

In the small town of Killarney, in Queensland, where the whispers of timber mingle with the hum of machinery, Ralph Affleck crafted a symphony of industry all on his own. His sawmill wasn’t just a place of work; it was a testament to determination, craftsmanship, and a life lived with purpose. Source: Warwick Today Timber ran deep in Ralph’s veins, his journey beginning at the age of 16 in the timber industry. From driving steam log winders to crafting his own double-sided skidder tractor decades later, Ralph’s passion for woodworking knew no bounds. His solo-operational sawmill was more than a retirement project; it was a manifestation of a lifetime’s dedication to the timber trade. With meticulous planning and countless hours among the sawdust, Ralph brought his vision to life, sketching designs in 3D with a 30cm ruler to ensure every piece fit seamlessly together. Ralph was a unique man whose drive and commitment influenced everyone around him especially his son Bruce Affleck. “He was a really good role model, who instilled good life and work values into us,“ Bruce said. “The timber industry was his life, so to see him push to fruition a project he was so passionate about even so late in his life was heartening.” On top of creating one of the only solo-operating sawmills, Ralph’s hard work also became a popular tourist spot. Visitors could come and watch one man transform timber with a smile and a laugh. Despite numerous accidents and setbacks, Ralph’s commitment never wavered. In a Landline documentary, Ralph happily supplied the story of his now nine toes while showing off all 10 fingers. “Dad has had numerous accidents in his logging career, he was constantly getting badly injured but it never stopped him,” Bruce said. “He always went back because that was where he was happy.” Bruce recalled his favourite memories with his dad to be centred around logging. “As a kid, I used to go logging with him in the bush and watch him pull the logs on his tractor then as I grew up I worked with him,” Bruce said. Even in his late 80s, Ralph refused to retire. It was only after a fall left him unconscious that he reluctantly stepped away from his beloved mill. A few years later, Ralph passed away at 94. His passing left a void in everyone he has touched, but his legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew him. As his family sorts through the remnants of his workshop, the future of the sawmill remains uncertain. Insurance hurdles and logistical challenges cloud the path forward, leaving the mill dormant for now. Yet, amidst the silence of the saw blades, Ralph’s spirit endures—a reminder that age is no barrier to creativity, and commitment knows no bounds. The sawmill in Killarney may no longer echo with the sounds of industry, but it stands as a monument to Ralph’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication.

Poplars and willows offer a host of benefits including stabilising land which helps hold fertile soil in place instead of running into waterways and estuaries during storm events. Source: Timberbiz Northland Regional Council (NRC) member Rick Stolwerk says the benefits the two species offer is one of the reasons it subsidises both trees from the Mata nursery near Whangarei in New Zealand. “Keeping fertile soils on the land is in the interest of all Northlanders and without the protection poplars and other trees afford, hills can simply erode and wash away in severe rainstorms.” Councillor Stolwerk says eroded sediment is Northland’s biggest natural pollutant, research showing the Bay of Islands alone has lost an average of 500,000 tonnes annually for the past century. “Preventing erosion at source, for both environmental and economic reasons – is one of the reasons the regional council has invested heavily in its poplar and willow nursery.” He describes poplars and willows as the ‘unsung heroes’ of our rural environment as without the protection the trees offer, many of our hills would seriously erode in bad storms. The councillor (who represents the NRC’s Coastal South constituency the Flyger Rd nursery sits in) says poplars and willows offer a host of benefits. “They stabilise pastoral hill country, sequester carbon, provide timber, reduce sediment runoff, improve water quality, provide stock shade and enhance the farm environment.” Every year about this time the NRC invites landowners with erosion-prone properties from Topuni north to order subsidised poplar and willow material from the Flyger Rd nursery for the approaching winter planting season. Orders are open now and the council’s nursery manager John Ballinger says a poplar or willow will cost between NZ$1.15 to NZ$45.00 (GST exclusive) depending on size and whether it’s planted for erosion control or another purpose. Mr Ballinger says protective sleeves for 3m poles (largest size of tree) are NZ$7.50 (GST excl) each and depending on contractor availability, the regional council is also heavily subsidising the planting of poplars and willows up to an additional NZ $7.00 (GST excl) per tree. Mr Ballinger says due to cyclone damage last year, there are a limited number of 3m poles this year, but an abundance of 1m wands. Wands are cheaper than poles and are a good alternative for areas that can be easily fenced (temporarily or permanently). Demand usually outstrips supply, so people are being urged to order them sooner rather than later. “While payment doesn’t have to be made until 20 June, we will stop taking orders on 13 May or when stocks are all sold, whichever comes sooner.” Anyone interested in securing trees should contact a member of the council’s land management staff on (0800) 002 004 or email: nursery@nrc.govt.nz to arrange a consultation. Councillor Stolwerk says the fast-growing trees have broad and binding root systems and have been widely used for years in Northland to prevent and control erosion and cut waterway sediment pollution. “Although neither species is native, their rapid growth rates mean they can control erosion quickly, enabling grazing to continue without the need to retire the entire paddock.” Furthermore, in summer they provide shade for livestock and in winter drop their leaves allowing the grass to grow making them ideal trees for pastoral farming. He says general information about establishing poplars and willows is also available from the council’s website via: www.nrc.govt.nz/poplars Meanwhile, Cr Stolwerk says if a property is located within the Kaipara Catchment, either the Northland or Auckland part of the Kaipara Catchment – Kaipara Moana Remediation is now supplying poplar poles and wand material for soil conservation and erosion control. (KMR does not supply willow material.) If you are interested in accessing materials with expert advice, please express your interest at our website https://kmr.org.nz/landowner-expression-of-interest/ or email hono@kmr.org.nz “If you are currently working with KMR please discuss this with your field advisor.” “Kaipara Moana Remediation will send experts out to help you make a planting plan and place your order from the NRC nursery.”

The Hyne Community Trust will once again, open for applications in June 2024 for this year’s round of grants. Eligible community organisations are encouraged to consider how the Hyne Community Trust can support them to deliver lasting benefits to the Tumbarumba region. Source: Timberbiz An example of a successful project is the Tumbarumba Tennis Club who applied for a grant in 2022 to replace the leaky roof and install a new ceiling for the clubhouse. Hyne Community Trust Chair, Kerrie Downes said the Tumbarumba Tennis Club has been at the heart of the community for over 50 years as the only tennis facility in the region. “Utilised by individuals and school groups alike, restoration of the club house was a stand-out application. “None of the local schools have tennis courts so the club is the only place for our youth, and people of all ages to learn and enjoy the sport. “Fixing the roof to enable better use of the clubhouse is a project which the Trust considered lasting benefit, a key-criteria for any applicant! “Like many projects nationwide, Tumbarumba is certainly not immune to the trades shortages, and we have been able to support the Tennis Club to extend their grant timeframe. “I am pleased to see the work now completed and we intend to utilise the club house ourselves for some of our future committee meetings.” Ms Downes said. Club Publicity Officer and Treasurer, Michael Schwab said on behalf of the committee that they are pleasantly surprised at the level of interest in tennis from the Tumbarumba community and beyond. “Having a safe and well-sheltered clubhouse for the children is important during hot summer months. “We are thrilled to host the hundreds of children that have enjoyed tennis coaching over the tennis seasons under new coach Brock Dixon. “The lovely surroundings and good facilities at the club ensure that tennis remains an enjoyable, social sport, and one of the key summer activities in Tumbarumba. “The Committee is grateful for the patience and generosity of the Hyne Community Trust and their continuing support of local sport in the community.” Mr Schwab said. Tumbarumba regional community groups are reminded the Hyne Community Trust will open for applications on 1 June and close 30 June 2024. Community groups considering applying for a Hyne Community Trust grant should start reviewing the 2024 guidelines available here: https://www.hyne.com.au/about/community Projects must be valued over $10,000 to meet the criteria. The application form will be made available once the 2024 round is open on 1 June. The Hyne Community Trust was established in 2007and has provided approximately $800,000 to the Tumbarumba region to date.

According to the New Zealand ASB Rural Quarterly report dairy rebounds, forestry is looking up as meat prices lag, but overall, there was a more positive outlook for the sector. Source: Timberbiz ASB’s latest Rural Quarterly report out contained a more positive outlook for the sector compared with previous quarters, as prices for key commodities have rebounded and forecasts have been nudged upwards. The downturn in forestry prices came earlier and hit harder than the softening in other commodities, particularly given the concentration of the sector in China. “With Chinese economic activity projected to slow in 2024 (albeit not as much as previously expected), and the Chinese property market not looking particularly flash, we are expecting modest support from the export market. “However, we are anticipating a slightly more supportive environment domestically. With OCR cuts likely in the second half of the year, we expect house prices to gain ground over the course of the year somewhere in the region of 7-8%. “That’s a much slower upswing than during the last house price cycle, but should bolster construction activity and ultimately domestic demand for New Zealand forestry products to some degree.” ASB General Manager Rural Banking Aidan Gent says the bank’s farmers and growers have shown great resilience, and ASB is committed to backing food and fibre. “The combination of fluctuating commodity prices, on-farm inflation, Official Cash Rate rises and some extreme weather events have tested the resilience of our farmers and growers. The food and fibre sector, as always, has shown great resilience. We have been proud to both continue to support our existing customers through these challenging times, as well as welcome new customers to ASB. “We are excited about the future of food and fibre in New Zealand and committed to providing support to the sector to enable it to continue to be productive and profitable. There are always challenges, but we believe from challenge comes opportunity and we are backing the sector all the way.” ASB Economist Nathaniel Keall says the more bullish growth outlook has a lot to do with changing expectations around what monetary policy will do. “Markets have become more bullish that rates won’t need to move as high, and the global economy might manage the fabled ‘soft landing.’ Traditionally ‘safe’ assets like government bonds and the US dollar are out of favour, and ‘risk’ assets like equities and commodities are back in vogue.” Dairy prices have managed a decent rebound of about 22% since their lowest point earlier in the season but are still around 30% below the peaks they enjoyed the previous year. “The main feature of recent auctions has been the enduring absence of Chinese purchases. Over the past three months, the world’s largest dairy importer has purchased less than 40% of the Whole Milk Powder (WMP) on offer at each auction, versus a historical average of 55-60%. While a weaker global economy curbed commodity prices in general in 2023, meat consumption looks to have been harder hit than some other staple commodities. “Accounting for adverse currency movement given the higher NZD, the average producer is earning a little over 9% less than they were at this point in the previous season – and as much as 21% below what they could hope to be paid at this stage in the 2022 season. “Lower demand has crashed into stronger meat supply in many parts of the world. Oversupply has been an acute issue in the Australasian lamb market, explaining the sustained weakness in lamb prices. “Australian lamb production rose a whopping 13% to record highs in calendar year 2023, releasing a glut of supply onto global meat markets and placing downward pressure on wholesale prices.  

Mick Harrington of Forest and Wood Communities Australia has shone the spotlight on the Australian Greens and celebrity activist Leonardo DiCaprio in an opinion piece that asks them to practice what they preach. Source: Timberbiz Mr Harrington says: In the ongoing debate over calls for the banning of native timber harvesting, voices like Adam Bandt, leader of the Australian Greens, and celebrity activist Leonardo DiCaprio often take center stage, championing environmental causes and preaching about the urgency of protecting our planet via banning native timber harvesting in Australia. However, their lofty rhetoric is tainted by a glaring hypocrisy – their own extravagant lifestyles, characterized by emissions-heavy habits that directly contradict their environmental idiocy. Adam Bandt, the alleged self-proclaimed messiah of environmentalism, stands accused of egregious hypocrisy as reports reveal his extensive use of private jets, racking up a staggering bill of $23,000 in taxpayer funds for these emissions-intensive flights. Furthermore, his staff’s travel expenses, totalling a whopping $372,000, paint a picture of lavishness at odds with the low-emissions frugality preached by the Greens. Similarly, Leonardo DiCaprio, a vocal advocate for climate action, has come under scrutiny for his lavish lifestyle, which includes frequent use of private jets and indulgence in luxury yachting. DiCaprio’s choice of transportation, including the infamous Topaz, a 147-meter-long super yacht known for its prodigious fuel consumption of approximately 800 litres of diesel per hour, stands in stark contrast to his impassioned calls for improving worldwide environmental outcomes. It would also be interesting to know what DiCaprio thinks of the practically unregulated timber harvesting happening in countries such as the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Borneo and Brazil (amongst many others). The irony is palpable – while Bandt and DiCaprio launch ill-informed lectures at the public regarding the necessity of banning native timber harvesting to protect the environment, their own extravagant lifestyles emit copious amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to the very environmental degradation they claim to abhor. This hypocrisy becomes especially egregious when considering the impact of their advocacy on timber communities. By advocating for policies that would devastate livelihoods in these communities – ironically using a renewable and carbon storing material, Bandt and ill-informed celebrities like DiCaprio demonstrate a shocking lack of empathy and understanding of the real-world consequences of their actions. The proposed ban on native timber harvesting, championed by Bandt and echoed by DiCaprio, would deal a severe blow to timber-dependent communities, robbing hardworking Australians of their livelihoods and exacerbating socio-economic disparities in regional areas. Furthermore, the disconnect between Bandt, DiCaprio, and the everyday people in timber communities underscores the elitism inherent in their environmental extremism. While they jet-set around the globe in luxury, enjoying the trappings of extreme privilege, it is the working-class Australians in timber communities who would bear the brunt of the policies they advocate for. It is high time for Bandt, DiCaprio, and their ilk to practice what they preach. If they truly believe in the urgency of addressing climate change and protecting the environment, they must lead by example and make tangible changes to their own lifestyles. This includes eschewing private jets and luxury yachts in favor of more sustainable modes of transportation and embracing a more modest way of living. Moreover, they must listen to the voices of those directly impacted by their advocacy – the hardworking Australians whose livelihoods hang in the balance. Instead of dictating policies from a position of privilege, they should engage in meaningful dialogue with timber communities, seeking solutions that balance environmental conservation with economic prosperity. As it stands, the hypocrisy of Bandt, DiCaprio, and other misguided environmental crusaders is a stark reminder of the dangers of elitism in activism. As they lecture the public on the need for environmental stewardship, their own extravagant lifestyles betray an incredulous disconnect from the everyday realities faced by timber communities, and a near complete disregard for their long-standing love and stewardship of the natural environs they are surrounded by. It’s time for them to practice what they preach and acknowledge the devastating consequences of their advocacy turned attack – on the lives of hardworking Australians.  

The University of Tasmania in collaboration with WoodSolutions has launched a pilot micro-credential course on Timber Design for Residential Construction. Source: Timberbiz The micro-credential is a structured to make upskilling and stacking credentialed education accessible to busy professionals and students. The course incorporates materials and knowledge from leading industry experts to enable students to learn through real-world case studies and models. Ideal for engineers, architects, building designers, and other professionals involved in construction planning and coordination, the micro-credential is delivered online with flexible options for self-paced learning and opportunities for networking with industry professionals. This collaboration between the University of Tasmania, WoodSolutions, and other industry experts provides access to all the latest knowledge and practices for a cutting-edge curriculum. It also provides up-to-date information on industry standards for students to complete the course with practical knowledge that can be applied on the job. Timber design in residential construction is an ever-growing field of work that aligns with core sustainability principles required across construction professions. Working in this field affords the opportunity to participate in rewarding careers that work toward a resilient and more sustainable future for residential construction in Australia. And students don’t have to stop there. Completion of the micro-credential opens pathways to further studies at the University of Tasmania, including credit options for engineering degrees. The micro-credential units are designed to accommodate the busy lives of professionals and to ease the financial strain of traditional education and upskilling. The micro-credential equips individuals with specialised skills and knowledge in timber design for residential construction to meet the demands of the sector. This certification can help address professional shortages in Australia by providing a pool of qualified individuals ready to contribute effectively and efficiently to projects. The micro-credential course is funded by the Australian Government Micro-credentials Pilot in Higher Education. This means zero fees for students. You can find more information and register your interest for the course at https://www.utas.edu.au/study/short-courses/micro-credentials/timber-design-for-residential-construction-micro-credential

Innovation and safety are the key drivers behind OneFortyOne’s $8 million nursery redevelopment, with a new state-of-the-art undercover handling system leading a number of major upgrades for the Glencoe facility. Source: Timberbiz The two automated handling lines, designed in Europe and installed on-site, will see millions of radiata pines trees sown, lifted and dispatched under controlled conditions annually, significantly increasing workforce conditions and safety. This month, as the industry marks International Day of Forests on 21 March 21, flags a milestone for the 3-year redevelopment project, as the new systems become operational. Nursery Manager Craig Torney said the new infrastructure investment will substantially increase efficiency and signals a major shift away from traditional intensive in-field growing. “The line has the ability to sow about 1-million trees per week, so it’s a lot cleaner and a lot more efficient,” Mr Torney said. “This work would normally be done on the back of a tractor in the elements. Now, from the time the container is introduced to the machine to the time that the finished product is pushed through the wall automatically out into the nursery, there is no human intervention, apart from overseers.” A new irrigation system is also part of the upgrades, improving efficiency at the establishment stage by decreasing water and chemical usage. In operation since 1983, the Glencoe nursery is central to OneFortyOne’s Australian operations, growing around 7.5 million trees annually for the company and other Green Triangle forest growers. Employee safety and wellbeing is at the heart of the changes, Craig said, with infrastructure upgrades set to protect the predominantly outdoor workforce from the elements. “It’s important to provide our team of people with a better work environment. The new infrastructure is entirely undercover and set to bench-top height, so workers will now enjoy a safer, more ergonomic workplace,” Mr Torney said. “We’ve had team members out here for 25-years plus, so the safety and long-time sustainability of the nursery’s workforce was a major factor in the decision to upgrade the facility.” OneFortyOne Chief Executive Officer Wendy Norris said the key components of the upgrade share a strong alignment with this year’s theme for International Day of Forests – ‘Forests and Innovation’. “Innovation is at the centre of the upgrades, as the work will ultimately result in a better and more efficient end product for forest growers and OneFortyOne’s customer base,” Ms Norris said. “By investing in long-term safety and efficiency measures at the nursery site, which is an essential supplier of trees across the Green Triangle forestry sector, OneFortyOne demonstrates our commitment to the future of the industry, our people who have been with us for a long time, and also, our local communities.”