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The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (“the team”) has joined forces with nature-based carbon developer Chestnut Carbon to support high-quality carbon removal projects across the Southeastern United States. Source: Timberbiz Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s work with Chestnut Carbon will help to deliver impactful climate projects that scale the rejuvenation of marginal land. The first project, part of Chestnut’s larger Sustainable Restoration Project, equates to the restoration of approximately 200 hectares of degraded agricultural acreage into vibrant biodiverse forests through the planting of over 260,000 native trees. Although emissions reduction remains the team’s primary focus, they recognise that some areas within their carbon footprint may have residual emissions which will require removals of the highest quality, in line with the Oxford Offsetting Principles. By investing in Chestnut Carbon now, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is securing nature-based carbon removal credits to compensate for future residual emissions and encouraging the growth of this key sector. This forward purchase of credits, set to be delivered between 2027 and 2030, equates to 5,500 tons of CO2. Although this is a small part of the team’s total footprint, it is an important step in its overall emissions reduction with a target of Race Team Control Net Zero by 2030. Chestnut Carbon’s projects focus on land previously used for monocrops and methane-heavy cattle production. To date, Chestnut Carbon has planted over 10 million trees, with a diverse mix of native pine and over 18 different hardwood species that will capture and remove over one million tonnes of carbon by 2040. In addition to restoring degraded crop and pasture lands to healthy forests, the projects will also improve the air, water and biodiversity of the region and will bring economic benefits to rural communities by sourcing seedlings locally, hiring resident experts, and employing local people for planting activities. This initiative is the latest addition to Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s portfolio of nature and tech-based carbon removal projects. By collaborating with Chestnut Carbon, the team has chosen to invest in a project that is registered with the Gold Standard for Global Goals. This standard sits under one of the most rigorous forest carbon methodologies, with highly conservative carbon accounting, third-party auditing, and unassailable additionality. “We are determined to lead by example in the pursuit of sustainability. We’re excited about the growth of our sport in the United States and committed to supporting projects there as we work towards our goals,” Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said. “This collaboration is an important step in our strategy to address residual emissions in our carbon footprint. It underscores our commitment to become one of the most sustainable global sports teams.” Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said that working with Chestnut Carbon is another step in the mission to drive sustainability and environmental responsibility within the motorsport industry. “Our collaboration allows us to support projects that not only sequester carbon but also enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and provide economic benefits to local communities. These efforts are integral to our goal of fostering ecological protection and our commitment to protect and enhance local habitats. This latest investment forms a key part of our broader portfolio of nature and tech-based carbon removal initiatives,” she said. Ben Dell, CEO, Chestnut Carbon and Managing Partner, Kimmeridge said they were excited to be working with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to advance their carbon removal efforts using high-quality nature-based solutions. “Our commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of these projects is unwavering, which is why we prioritise the permanence of our initiatives. This commitment is reflected in our ownership of the land and our 100-year project design. Additionally, we have developed a comprehensive Community Engagement plan to ensure transparent communication and positive relationships with local stakeholders, reinforcing our dedication to both environmental stewardship and community support,” he said.

The Professional Forester Apprenticeship program in the UK offers an exciting career pathway into the forestry sector for people from all backgrounds. Source: Timberbiz A new call for foresters of the future has gone out for the next cohort of the innovative Professional Forester Apprenticeship program. The forestry and timber sector plays a key role in ensuring woods and forests are healthy and continue to flourish for generations to come, helping the country meet its net zero and environment targets, supporting economic growth, and providing multiple social benefits. The three-year, paid development opportunity is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction and a rewarding job in the natural environment. In total, the scheme has already kickstarted 78 careers in forestry, and the reopening of the program will offer more people the chance to be part of a new cohort of foresters. The Forestry Commission kick-started the scheme in 2022, and an increasing number of other organisations and businesses have taken the opportunity to host apprentices over the subsequent years. “The Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme offers people the chance to earn while they learn. Students have a mix of academic study and technical experience in the great outdoors and at the end of the programme can achieve a bachelor’s degree and chartered forester qualifications,” Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said. “The continued success of this unique program is heartening to see – people from all kinds of backgrounds and ages have been able to kickstart a new career. I urge anyone who is interested in finding a vocation looking after our trees, woods and forests, and who wants to work in a sector with lots of opportunities, to apply today.” Apprentice foresters from previous years have pointed to the variety of daily experiences, and the access to a wide range of expertise amongst the benefits provided by this apprenticeship program. Apprentices on the scheme enjoy a combination of hands-on experience with the Forestry Commission and academic studies in forestry management led by the University of Cumbria. There is also potential for wider sector placements to further develop their skills and experience and improve future employment prospects. Upon completion of the program, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester and will be able to apply for Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

The US paper and pulp industry is lobbying President Donald Trump’s administration to ask the EU to declare the United States deforestation-free, a step that could make it easier for exporters to meet the bloc’s new environmental rules. Source: Reuters From December, the European Union’s anti-deforestation policy will ban imports of commodities linked to forest destruction. Brussels already delayed the policy’s launch by a year following complaints from trade partners including Brazil, Indonesia and the Biden administration in the United States. “A delay does not solve our concerns with the regulation’s complex requirements and significant technical barriers,” Heidi Brock, CEO of the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), told Reuters, saying the EU law would impose “costly and unnecessary obligations” on US companies. “We are urging President Trump and his trade advisors to include this on the list of items to negotiate with the European Union to ensure the US is recognised as a country that wisely manages its forest resources and must be recognised as not contributing to deforestation,” Brock said in emailed comments. That goes beyond a call by Trump’s nominee to run the Commerce Department, Howard Lutnick, for the US to be classed as “low-risk” – the EU policy’s least-stringent level. That would still require US companies to conduct due diligence and face inspections. The Office of the US Trade Representative, US Commerce Department and European Commission did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Trump transition team who has been handling media inquiries for Lutnick did not respond to a request for comment. The EU policy will categorise countries as high, standard or low risk with imports from “low risk” countries facing lighter compliance requirements. However, the law does not contain a category of countries deemed to be deforestation-free despite EU lawmakers attempting unsuccessfully to add a new “no risk” category of countries which would face even lighter rules. Any changes to the EU law would require a legal proposal from the Commission, and approval from EU lawmakers and member states.

CSIRO is calling for expressions of interest for ‘Innovate to Grow: Queensland’, a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program, aimed at helping Queensland small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transform innovative ideas into research-ready projects across a range of sectors. Source: Timberbiz This R&D training program, delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, guides businesses through developing and implementing R&D strategies with support from experienced researchers and industry mentors with a focus on collaborations with regional universities. Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, said this training will equip SMEs with the tools to build partnerships with regional universities to commercialise their innovative ideas and drive economic growth. More than one-third of the 650 participants from CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program have been from regional Australia, demonstrating strong engagement from businesses outside major metropolitan areas. RUIC Program Facilitator, Dr Brendan Kidd, said the program addresses a critical need in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem. “One of the biggest challenges for SMEs is knowing how to effectively engage with the research sector,” Dr Kidd said. “CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow bridges that gap by teaching businesses how to speak the language of R&D, identify the right research partners, and structure their projects in ways that attract both research interest and potential funding opportunities.” James Lister, whose company LP One develops sustainable bio-based alternatives to conventional materials, found the program’s structured approach invaluable. “The Innovate to Grow program was a great introduction at the early stages of our business,” Mr Lister said. “The staged process for deliverables and assistance from mentors has been great, helping us progress from initial concept to developing potential research collaborations.” Innovate to Grow is now open to Queensland-based SMEs working on innovative technologies or solutions across a range of sectors, including: Agriculture and food Digital technology and AI Environmental sciences Health and biomedical sciences Indigenous science Manufacturing Mining and mining equipment, technology, and services Renewables and low emissions technologies Space and defence Transport The Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program is funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO. Partner universities are James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast. The RUIC Program is designed exclusively for Queensland-based SMEs, providing support at every stage of their R&D journey. For more information visit https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow/I2G-QLD