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Washington State University researchers have received a two-year grant to make more resilient and durable housing materials from thermally-modified cross laminated timber (CLT) and recycled carbon fibre. Source: Timberbiz The researchers, including Pouria Bahmani, assistant professor and Karl Englund,  research professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, along with Hui Li, assistant research professor in the Composite Materials & Engineering Centre, are collaborating with Composite Recycling Technology Centre (CRTC) in Port Angeles and Construction Engineering Research Laboratory to explore ways to use advanced thermally-modified CLT material in deployable structures, with a goal of extending its application to single and two-storey residential buildings. As part of the project, the researchers will analyse the structure and materials and evaluate the possibility of mass-producing these panels, a one-of-a-kind initiative in the Pacific Northwest. “One primary objective of this project is to develop methods for connecting the panels together, facilitating the construction of modular and deployable structures,” Bahmani said. “We utilize steel connections and will conduct thorough testing to ensure the safety and durability of these structures.” CLT is an engineered wood product typically used for construction. It consists of layers of wood boards stacked in alternating directions and bonded together with structural adhesives. This cross-lamination technique enhances the strength and stability of the timber panels, allowing them to bear heavy loads and resist deformation. Testing thermally-modified wood lumber at the PACCAR structural laboratory at WSU. CLT is renowned for its sustainability, as it is often made from fast-growing trees. It offers several advantages over traditional construction materials, including faster construction times, reduced environmental impact, and excellent thermal properties. The wood product has gained popularity worldwide as a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to concrete, steel, and other conventional building materials.  Because it’s lightweight compared to other construction materials, using CLT in modular construction and building projects can also save energy during transportation. The CRTC has been developing advanced CLT timber that uses thermally modified western hemlock in its formulation. Thermal modification makes the wood more resistant to decay and increases its durability. The researchers have been working to strengthen the thermally modified wood by adding repurposed carbon fibre composites to the CLT panels. Carbon fibre composite materials are used in many modern products, from aircraft parts to wind turbine blades to fishing rods. “We are currently focused on exploring the thermal modification process for western hemlock species to create modular, durable, and deployable structures constructed from thermally treated CLT panels,” he said.

A new EU funded project MoniFun (2024-2027) aims to establish the blueprint for a comprehensive European Forest Multifunctionality Monitoring System (EFMMS). The EFMMS deals with the challenges posed by climate change and environmental stressors on Europe’s forests. Source: Timberbiz “The need for such an initiative has arisen due to lack of harmonized European-level information required by policymakers and other stakeholders regarding the multifaceted aspects of forests. These aspects encompass properties related to forest resources, and the connection of forests with society, climate and biodiversity to support progress towards climate action and reversing biodiversity loss,” said Project Coordinator Lauri Mehtätalo from Natural Resource Institute Finland. The project will use a multi-actor approach to ensure the wide applicability of the monitoring system, addressing the information needs of various institutions and stakeholders. MoniFun aims at mapping the essential information needs and responding to these using data with sufficient quality and the most suitable data sources, such as remote sensing, national forest inventories and other existing data sources. Key innovations in MoniFun are tools that can efficiently combine these data sources using semi-automatic methods without a need to risk the confidentiality of the original data sets. To address methodological challenges, MoniFun will develop harmonized solutions, maximizing the system’s applicability. EFI leads a task in WP2 in which expert indicator definitions and methods for monitoring forest multifunctionality will be developed. “This task focuses on wood material flows and the related climate and socioeconomic impacts. More specific, we will develop methodological guidance for improving the tracking of wood flows and as a result the understanding and monitoring of the effects of wood use via connecting wood flows with end-use sectoral data. This will help us better assess the sustainability of wood products and their carbon storage potentials, as well as the effects on society,” said EFI Researcher Cleo Orfanidou. In addition, EFI will contribute on the indicator definition on socioeconomic demands for ecosystem services. Furthermore, EFI will help in identifying user and policy needs for monitoring forest multifunctionality (WP1), and EFI will also launch and manage grants to third parties to test and validate solution developed in MoniFun. MoniFun has 13 project partners from 11 European countries and is funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program.

Highlights of joint outlook report by Russ Taylor Global and Margules Groome Consulting addresses key softwood and hardwood topics, issues and outlooks. This new report, China Forest, Log & Lumber Report: Supply, Demand & Prices to 2030/2035, shows China will again become a significant growth market for softwoods especially for lumber. Source: Timberbiz The Chinese hardwood pulp sector will also see substantial growth with important fibre sourcing implications and opportunities. Some key trends and questions answered in the report are as follows: Softwoods: China’s softwood lumber demand peaked in 2019, a level unlikely to be reached for a very long time. Demand will increase slowly, but only by about 20% from 2023 to 2035. Lumber imports will surge over the forecast period by 50-75% to offset supply limited declining log imports. Log imports peaked in 2021 and are forecast to decline by more than 50% from the 2021 level by 2035. While 2024 will likely be lacklustre, recovering demand, low inventories and tight log supplies mean that prices will rise. Hardwoods: China’s hardwood eucalyptus plantation estate has expanded exponentially and based on size is now on par with Brazil. This expansion allows for more domestic supply than many would expect. The analysis shows that there are opportunities now for China to re-align and optimise its hardwood value chain. The hardwood pulp industry is forecast to increase consumption from ~20 Mt in 2023 to ~31 Mt by 2035. For more information about the report contact  Russ Taylor at russtaylor@russtaylorglobal.com or visit: https://russtaylorglobal.com/report-china-log-lumber-outlook-to-2035/

Thousands of people flocked to the popular Heyfield Timber Festival on the weekend of 17-18 February 2024. Source: Timberbiz The Heyfield Timber Festival has been running since 2021, and Heyfield Fire Brigade has supported the event every year. Heyfield Fire Brigade members attended this year’s Heyfield Timber Festival to entertain locals and pass on fire safety information. Heyfield brigade members spoke to more than 1,500 people and provide not only fire safety information and important resources, they also made sure there was a lot of fun for the children. The brigade made wooden fire trucks to provide an additional activity for the children, who raced each other squirting the trucks with hoses. This was a huge hit. “This has been the biggest year yet. The brigade did such a fantastic job and was so well received by the community,” Brigade Training Officer and key organiser Phil Graham said. “Next year the organisers might extend the festival for an extra day because of its popularity.”

Scion’s Rotorua headquarters has gone head-to-head with the Silicon Valley campus of top tech company Google and come out on top. The Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development was presented to Scion’s Innovation hub Te Whare Nui o Tuteata. Source: Timberbiz Designed by RTA Studios and Irving Smith Architects, it was a finalist alongside Google Bay View in the United States designed by Danish studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and London-based Heatherwick Studio. This week, Jeremy Smith of Irving Smith Architects gave BIG partner Kai-Uwe Bergmann the grand tour of the Rotorua building while Bergmann was visiting New Zealand for an architecture conference. Walking through the doors of Te Whare Nui o Tuteata for the first time, Bergmann says he was struck by the timber building’s warmth. “Being a finalist in the same category is a great honour. The Dubai award celebrates work that innovates the building industry and Te Whare Nui o Tuteata and Google’s building both achieve that.” The awards were held for the first time since 2019 in Dubai at the World Governments Summit. They featured five categories and attracted almost 3000 entries from around the globe. The Most Beautiful, Innovative and Iconic Building category recognises iconic, smart, innovative, human-centric sustainable projects that innovatively combine green design and construction practices with modern architectural excellence. The win adds to the list of more than 20 national and international awards Te Whare Nui o Tuteata has taken home since opening in 2021. The building’s name, meaning the great house of Tuteata, acknowledges Tuteata who is the ancestor of the three hapū who are the tangata whenua here: Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu. The name was gifted to Scion by those three hapū. The three-storey 2000 sq m building was built using a diagrid timber structure using less material than traditional structures. Scion tested the strength of the diagrid components. The building has also been designed to be carbon-zero meaning it stores as much carbon as was emitted during its construction. Google Bay View opened in 2022 on a 42-acre site in Silicon Valley. It consists of three buildings totalling 1.1 million sq ft including two workspace buildings, an events centre and accommodation. The campus aims to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030 and renewable energy and solar potential were prioritised. Globally, the built environment is responsible for about 40% of energy related carbon emissions. Bergmann says architects are increasingly finding new ways to incorporate timber into their multi-storey designs, but more education is needed. “We look at the operational energy of a building often but more important is the embodied energy, and that’s the building materials that we use. Fortunately, we are at a time when timber is an option,” he says. “There are structural advancements and pre-engineered wood manufacturing advancements happening alongside changes to building codes. High rises built using timber are getting up to 20 or 30 floors tall around the world.” Irving says winning the award is fantastic. “It feels amazing to be doing this kind of innovative work and to get noticed internationally. This building is achieving exactly what Scion is doing with its research – having an impact on the world stage.” Scion’s Forests to Timber Products general manager Henri Bailleres says the win solidifies the building as an “international timber architecture icon”. He says the building was carefully designed in a process involving engineers, architects, designers and Scion scientists, and collaboration was the key to success. “It’s an iconic building because there are a lot of elements attached to it. There are the Māori cultural elements, innovative design elements, seismic resistance, elegant design and maximal use of timber. “It’s a showcase technically and aesthetically of what can be done with timber,” he says. “It couldn’t have been done without having this synergy.” He says Scion led the sustainable building charge and this had flow-on effects, with the new Fisher and Paykel global headquarters being designed by RTA Studios using similar principles of sustainability and timber technology. RTA design lead Rich Naish accepted the award in Dubai and says it is a “great honour” to receive recognition on the world stage for innovation developed in New Zealand with partners. “What I believe has been recognised is a prototype for change to mitigate the effects of climate change in the construction industry, not just applicable to our region but the whole world. “Being present at the World Government Summit in Dubai provided acute relevance to me, the intent of this region of the world with UN Habitat to find immediate sustainable architectural solutions for our future.”

ABARES Outlook Conference is the place for ideas and evidence to progress issues that affect the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sector. The redesigned event for 2024 is hybrid and this year’s theme is Shaping the Future: Opportunities, risks, and resilience. Source: Timberbiz This reflects a commitment to explore the critical issues that will define the future of Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry. The challenges we face today, such as climate change, evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global trade dynamics, require us to adapt and innovate continuously. The conference is the perfect arena to discuss how we can navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities they present. “Attendees can choose to participate either in-person at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra or virtually from their homes or offices,” Dr Greenville ABARES Executive Director said. “Discounted, early bird registrations are now open, and we’re pleased to be offering flexible registrations so people can choose to join us in-person or online closer to the date. “We’re looking forward to people coming together for thought-provoking sessions and discussions, all geared towards advancing sustainable, productive, and resilient practices in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. “The conference is also a great opportunity for participants to build new connections and collaborative working relationships.” ABARES Outlook 2024 will bring together 60 Australian and international speakers and panellists from industry and government in Canberra and online across 12 sessions. Delegates will dive into the diverse issues shaping the future of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries. ABARES outlook 2024 will be held on 5-6 March at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and online https://www.agriculture.gov.au/event/abares-outlook Registrations are open.

US hardwood lumber exports to Australia increased by 22% in 2023 to a value of US$21million according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture. Source: Timberbiz While American white oak continues to dominate, its lesser-known cousin, American red oak, has shown extraordinary growth over the 12-month period. In 2023 Australia imported nearly 9000 cubic metres of red oak which is the most abundant species in the American hardwood forest. Readily available, and of a consistently high quality, red oak has similar characteristics to white oak in terms of strength and stability, but its more open grain means it is more suitable for staining which makes it a more versatile choice. “We’ve had a significant amount of interest in red oak from the savvier specifiers in Australia recently,” Regional Director for the American Hardwood Export Council Rod Wiles said. The American Hardwood Export Council is an international trade association for the US hardwood industry, representing exporters among US hardwood companies and all the major US. AHEC runs a worldwide program to promote American hardwoods in more than 50 export markets, concentrating on providing architects, specifiers, designers, and end-users with technical information on the range of species, products and sources of supply. In addition, AHEC also produces a full range of technical publications. “They recognise its quality and value and have anticipated the shift in demand resulting from the changes in native logging that came into force this year.” The new figures also show growth for other underutilised but available species including American cherry and American maple which have seen volume increase by 650% and 110% respectively. “Australia and New Zealand remain important markets for us,” Mr Wiles said. “Not only does the demand continue to be strong but the importers, manufacturers, designers and architects are very sophisticated in their understanding and use of different species. “They appreciate the advantages and limitations and also value the strong and proven environmental credentials of US hardwoods. We are delighted that our industry can supply raw materials that meet their exacting needs.”

Adding value to timber products on-island is essential to supporting local Tasmanian forestry businesses, jobs across the state, and regional and rural communities, according to the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA). Source: Timberbiz Speaking at the official launch of the first-priority in the TFPA Election Wishlist – Supporting Tasmanian Businesses in the lead-up to the State Elections in Tasmania on 23 March Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said embracing a homegrown timber future policy is essential for the future prosperity of the state and its sustainable timber industry. “Encouraging on-island processing, growing the value of our products in Tasmania, and increasing regional and rural jobs is essential to supporting a sustainable timber industry, and must be at the forefront for all political parties during this election,” Mr Steel said. “That’s why today we’re calling on all political parties to stand with the timber industry and back our sustainable and respected businesses. There’s much government can do to ensure our industry continues to support the Tasmanian community. “As our resource moves to more plantation volume, we’re asking for the establishment of a long-rotation plantation forestry conversion fund, as well as grants to re-tool and re-skill our processing businesses – to make the best use of the new resource split,” Mr Steel said. “We’d also like to see a commitment to the development of new ways to process lower category logs in Tasmania, as well as a commitment to roll out the remaining funds under the On-Island Processing Grant Program to the whole industry. “Showing off the value of our state’s timber is essential, so we’re also asking all political parties to further commit to and fund the Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board. “There’s a lot that can be done to improve the timber industry in Tasmania, and we’re committed to working with all political parties to make sure the 5,500 Tasmanians employed by our businesses can succeed into the future,” Mr Steel said. The TFPA Election Wishlist can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/4bPyfDF

In the wake of COP28’s landmark agreement and the global push for sustainability, the Australian construction industry is at a pivotal crossroads. The Buildings Breakthrough initiative, launched at COP28 with support from 27 nations, has underscored the urgent need to transform the sector. The building and construction industry is responsible for almost 21% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, and its impact must not be ignored. While Australia may not be among Building Breakthrough’s initial list of supporting nations, the industry must nevertheless brace itself for a net-zero future. Timber, being a natural carbon sink, has an important role to play a pivotal role in sequestering carbon dioxide. As the construction sector strives for net-zero emissions, the timber industry’s inherent capacity to absorb and store carbon positions it as a sustainable and low-carbon alternative, contributing significantly to the overarching goal. Large construction firms are embracing sustainability targets, driving a shift towards eco-friendly construction equipment. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are responding to the call for cleaner alternatives, moving away from diesel to embrace battery, hydrogen, and other environmentally conscious power sources. Battery-powered equipment not only reduces carbon emissions but also helps to reduce noise pollution, creating a more environmentally friendly construction environment all around. Hydrogen, emerging as a viable alternative, produces electricity through a clean chemical reaction, emitting only water vapour as a by-product. Innovations extend beyond batteries and hydrogen, exploring hybrid systems and advanced biofuels. Hybrid construction equipment, combining traditional engines with electric or alternative power sources, optimises energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Lower-emission generators, solar battery generators, and solar-powered light towers are becoming commonplace on construction sites, offering renewable and silent power sources. As technology advances and economies of scale make cleaner alternatives economically viable, the initial investment in eco-friendly timber equipment becomes a strategic move for long-term operational and environmental benefits. While sharing economy giants like Airbnb and Uber often steal the circular economy spotlight, the timber industry has long recognised the sustainable value of equipment sharing. Embracing a circular economic model, which focuses on reuse, repurposing, remanufacturing and recycling, can help to reduce over-production, over-consumption, and waste. Hiring equipment has emerged as a powerful solution within the circular economy framework, offsetting unnecessary emissions. Companies adopting this approach prioritise maintenance, care, and extending equipment lifecycles, contributing significantly to reducing environmental impact. Builders can adopt similar principles, making sure tools are used to their full life span before they’re disposed of responsibly. For suppliers to align with customer and government demands related to emissions and sustainability, they must take a longer-term view when investing in new products. Over time, increased demand will help to drive technology adoption, replacing older machinery and making eco-friendly options more accessible for the broader building industry. It’s time for timber industry leaders to spearhead the shift towards net-zero, creating demand for sustainable equipment that, in turn, drives technological advancements. By doing so, the industry can carve the way for a greener and more sustainable future for the entire Australian construction industry. James Oxenham, CEO at HRIA James Oxenham is the CEO of the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA) and the Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA). Having worked across the UK, Europe, and Australia, Mr Oxenham brings over 15 years of extensive industry experience to his role with the hire and rental sector’s peak industry body. With a background in management accounting, he has held pivotal roles at TUI AG Services Group (Spain), The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (UK), BB Retail Capital, and Aldi Stores in Australia. As the CEO of HRIA, Mr Oxenham drives industry excellence, focusing on training, operational efficiency, and safety standards. Under his stewardship, HRIA has experienced remarkable growth, establishing an EWPA Registered Training Organisation and pioneering digital training methods.

The news that US hardwood timber exports to Australia increased by 22% in 2023 with nearly 9000 cubic metres of red oak coming into the country should not come as a surprise to anyone. The end to native timber harvesting in Victoria and Western Australia has certainly had a massive flow-on effect. In Victoria alone, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods 30, 40-foot containers carrying American hardwood from the country’s north-east arrives in Heyfield. In 2017, ASH lost half its Vic Ash volume, which gradually diminished further to only three per cent of its supply in 2023. The Victorian situation has certainly amplified the significance of imported hardwood in Australia’s timber market. With restrictions on native timber, the demand for imported hardwood has surged, leading to a complex interplay of economic, environmental, and social factors. Conversely, Western Australia has continued with some native timber logging, albeit with stringent regulations aimed at sustainable forestry practices. While the WA State Government has implemented measures to promote sustainable forestry practices, questions remain about the long-term viability of native timber logging in the face of environmental concerns and shifting consumer preferences towards sustainability. The American Hardwood Export Council says that while it does not have data available linking the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria and WA to the boost in exports to Australia, “we think that that is a factor that has contributed to the increase in demand”. The importation of hardwood from the United States into Australia has obviously become a significant component of the timber industry. The demand for hardwood remains robust in various sectors, including construction, furniture manufacturing, and crafting. While Australia possesses its own native hardwood species, the allure of imported hardwood lies in its diverse range, quality, and sometimes lower cost. However, the reliance on imported hardwood has sparked debates regarding its environmental implications. Critics argue that the transportation of hardwood across oceans contributes to carbon emissions and exacerbates climate change. Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the sustainability practices in the source countries. Despite certification systems like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring sustainable logging practices, questions linger about the actual enforcement and efficacy of such measures. Advocates of the ban argue that it encourages the exploration of sustainable alternatives, such as plantation-grown timber or innovative materials like bamboo. They contend that the ban serves as a pivotal step towards fostering a more sustainable and resilient timber industry, aligned with Australia’s commitments to combat climate change and preserve its natural heritage. However, critics argue that the ban merely shifts the environmental burden elsewhere, without addressing the underlying issues of consumption and resource management. They emphasize the need for comprehensive policies that tackle both the demand and supply sides of the timber industry, promoting responsible consumption while supporting sustainable forestry practices domestically and abroad. In navigating this complex landscape, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates must strive to strike a balance between economic interests, environmental conservation, and social welfare. Collaborative efforts towards promoting sustainable practices, investing in research and development, and fostering community engagement are essential to steer the timber industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future, both in Australia and globally.