Australian timber industry news

A new publication launched by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) warns that more needs to be done to protect, restore and sustainably manage the world’s forests in order to achieve global biodiversity goals. Source: Timberbiz Presented during Forest and Water Day at the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16), The Forest Factor: The role of protection, restoration, and sustainable management of forests for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework publication highlights the importance of the conservation of forest biodiversity and sustainable forest management in achieving the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The CPF report, which has been led by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), also tackles global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development and presents solutions for reversing deforestation and degradation and enhancing the health of forest ecosystems. Practical policy recommendations and pathways are identified for stakeholders to help them align with KMGBF targets. “This report delivers a clear message: conservation, restoration and sustainable management and use is crucial for achieving the KMGBF targets,” said Zhimin Wu, Chairperson of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and Director of the Forestry Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. “This is a pivotal moment to connect biodiversity, climate change, hunger, and poverty as we journey from the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference to the 2025 UN Climate Conference.” Forests shelter up to 80% of the terrestrial biodiversity, including more species of birds, reptiles, and mammals than any other habitat. At the same time, the global rate of extinction of forest species is now 1,000 times higher than historical norms. The role of forests in climate regulation is also highlighted in the report, in addition to their significant economic value and the immense costs of biodiversity loss due to deforestation and degradation. You can download the publication here.

The world’s first wooden satellite, built by Japanese researchers, was launched into space on Tuesday, in an early test of using timber in lunar and Mars exploration. Source: Reuters LignoSat, developed by Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry will be flown to the International Space Station on a SpaceX mission, and later released into orbit about 400 km (250 miles) above the Earth. Named after the Latin word for “wood”, the palm-sized LignoSat is tasked to demonstrate the cosmic potential of the renewable material as humans explore living in space. “With timber, a material we can produce by ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live and work in space forever,” said Takao Doi, an astronaut who has flown on the Space Shuttle and studies human space activities at Kyoto University. With a 50-year plan of planting trees and building timber houses on the moon and Mars, Doi’s team decided to develop a NASA-certified wooden satellite to prove wood is a space-grade material. “Early 1900s airplanes were made of wood,” said Kyoto University forest science professor Koji Murata. “A wooden satellite should be feasible, too.” Wood is more durable in space than on Earth because there’s no water or oxygen that would rot or inflame it, Murata added. A wooden satellite also minimises the environmental impact at the end of its life, the researchers say. Decommissioned satellites must re-enter the atmosphere to avoid becoming space debris. Conventional metal satellites create aluminium oxide particles during re-entry, but wooden ones would just burn up with less pollution, Doi said. “Metal satellites might be banned in the future,” Doi said. “If we can prove our first wooden satellite works, we want to pitch it to Elon Musk’s SpaceX.” The researchers found that honoki, a kind of magnolia tree native in Japan and traditionally used for sword sheaths, is most suited for spacecraft, after a 10-month experiment aboard the International Space Station. LignoSat is made of honoki, using a traditional Japanese crafts technique without screws or glue. Once deployed, LignoSat will stay in the orbit for six months, with the electronic components onboard measuring how wood endures the extreme environment of space, where temperatures fluctuate from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes as it orbits from darkness to sunlight. LignoSat will also gauge wood’s ability to reduce the impact of space radiation on semiconductors, making it useful for applications such as data centre construction, said Kenji Kariya, a manager at Sumitomo Forestry Tsukuba Research Institute. “It may seem outdated, but wood is actually cutting-edge technology as civilisation heads to the moon and Mars,” he said. “Expansion to space could invigorate the timber industry.”

Forest operations, which include logging and other forestry activities (planting, thinning, fuels reduction, and wildland fire fighting), are a vital component of forest management. It is also one of the most dangerous places to work in the United States.  Source: CDC In 2022, there were 54 fatalities to logging workers. The work-related fatality rate for logging workers is 100.7 per 100,000 FTE, which is more than 27 times higher than the rate for all occupations at 3.7 per 100,000 FTE. There have been many improvements over time that have contributed to improved safety for logging workers. Improved safety regulations and enforcement in many states, combined with improvements in chainsaw technology and personal protective equipment, along with advancements in synthetic ropes and worker location technology have all helped in keeping logging workers safer. However, although progress has been made over time to reduce fatalities and injuries, the difficult conditions inherent to logging still present many dangers. One of the biggest contributors to safety has been the increased mechanization of forest operations. When workers are in the protective cabins of machinery, rather than exposed to chainsaws or timber and terrain hazards, the number of fatalities has declined. Other changes in operations have also reduced hazards. Until recently in the mountainous Western forests, the terrain made mechanized operations difficult. New technology uses machines working on steep slopes supported by a tether attached to a machine or anchor at the top of the slope (see photo). Computer assisted tension in the tether line allows sufficient traction and stability for machines to operate on slopes much steeper than was previously possible. While new technologies have been effective in reducing some risks, they can also present new hazards. New technologies have made it possible to conduct logging activities in a larger area of the forests, however, the areas that cannot be harvested using mechanization, often leave the most difficult and hazardous conditions for manual operations. Even though mechanization has changed the forest operation picture, reducing some hazards, many safety concerns remain. Prior to mechanization, common injuries included cuts from a chainsaw or being hit by stressed trees. Now, injuries from slips, trips, and falls are a more common occurrence. Slip, trip, and fall injuries often occur as operators are getting into and out of machines, working around the outside of machines, and performing maintenance activities. Training on preventing slips, trips and falls can help address these hazards. Additionally, workers may need additional training on operating and maintaining these large pieces of machinery safely.  

Matilda Veneer is a name synonymous with innovation and quality in the timber industry. As a leading manufacturer of decorative timber veneers, the company has built a strong reputation for sourcing beautiful woods and transforming them into distinctive products used in architectural projects worldwide. Source: Timberbiz On a recent visit to Matilda Veneer’s headquarters on the Gold Coast, Matt de Jongh, caught up with Anthony Wardrop, General Manager and Meg Berry, Architectural & Technical Representative, to explore the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing and how their Responsible Wood certification helps their business demonstrate their sustainability credentials. Matilda Veneer is a leading producer of native timber veneers and sources high quality veneer from around the world. who have more recently added a selection of specialty plywoods to their product range. The company works with designers, panel manufacturers, joiners and craftspeople across Australia, offering high-quality products that adorn iconic structures like the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Phillip Island Visitor Centre and the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. “Our ethos is simple,” Mr Wardrop said. “We source exceptionally high-quality wood fibre, producing veneers that are not only functional but also stunning. It’s this quality that sets our products apart. We pride ourselves on giving our customers access to something truly natural, unique and beautiful.” This approach has earned Matilda Veneer a place in award-winning architectural projects, “Sustainability is embedded in everything we do,” Mr Wardrop said. “From the way we source our timber to how we manufacture our products, we’re focused on ensuring that future generations will enjoy the same access to natural resources.” Mr de Jongh said he was really impressed with Matilda Veneer’s approach to sustainability. “They are very conscious of the perceived environmental impacts of the timber they use, and they actively seek ways to demonstrate their environmental responsibility and reduce their footprint.” When it comes to optimal use of a forest and wood product, timber veneer is one of the most efficient ways to use wood, with one cubic metre of log producing approximately 1,000 square metres of veneer. This efficiency, combined with the renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable nature of the material, makes timber veneer a highly sustainable choice. Matilda Veneer’s commitment to sustainability is underpinned by its chain of custody certification under the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme. This certification guarantees that the timber used in their products comes from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources, ensuring environmental, social, and economic benefits for all stakeholders involved. “Having the Responsible Wood certification means a great deal to us,” Mr Wardrop said. “It’s a validation of our efforts to source timber responsibly and manage our supply chain in a way that minimises harm to the environment.” At the heart of Matilda Veneer’s operations is their drive to innovate while maintaining the highest levels of quality. They work with Australian hardwood species that are quite difficult to process, but their commitment to excellence in veneer manufacturing means they can offer products that are both beautiful and functional, giving designers the option to select from an extensive range of timber species to compliment other project material selections, many of which tell a story of the client or location of that project. “Whether it’s for a commercial build or a residential project, architects and interior designers want something natural, unique and beautiful, and we deliver that,” Mr Wardrop said. “But it’s not just about aesthetics, our products meet rigorous quality standards. Our customers know they’re getting veneers that not only look great but are built to last.” For companies like Matilda Veneer, certification is essential, not only from reputational perspective but also from a business one. Certified products are increasingly specified as both consumers and industries alike look for ways to reduce their environmental impact. One of the key takeaways from Mr de Jongh’s visit was the importance of understanding the market’s needs. By working closely with suppliers, distributors, and Responsible Wood, Matilda Veneer ensures they maintain high standards across the board. “Matilda Veneer is a great example of how the whole forest products sector can work together to achieve shared goals around sustainability. By fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders, they ensure that their products meet the highest standards from forest to final product,” Mr de Jongh said. Responsible Wood plays an important role in ensuring that companies like Matilda Veneer can confidently offer certified products that are traceable to an original well managed forest. The certification provides a framework that promotes sustainable forestry practices, ensuring that wood products are sourced responsibly. “Without Responsible Wood, it would be much harder for businesses like ours to verify the sustainability claims of our supply chains,” Mr Wardrop said. “The certification gives us and our customers confidence in the products we bring to market.” For businesses exploring chain of custody certification, Matilda Veneers offers valuable insight. Certification can provide not only a right to play, but a competitive edge in today’s eco-conscious market, ensuring that products meet the increasing demand for sustainability.

Interpine’s TreeTools Near Realtime Drone Inventory tool has been developed for foresters to assess stocking in post thin stands. This is an early test version release for Windows operating systems, and the project is ongoing. Source: Timberbiz The purpose of the release is to give stakeholders an opportunity to test and provide feedback, while encouraging them to submit more data. The accuracy of the stocking assessment given depends on multiple factors, including effectiveness of canopy recognition and the precision of drone altitude maintenance. The goal is to keep the stocking error below 10% under normal conditions, and user corrections can easily be made to the stocking assessment. This project has been developed with funding assistance from the Precision Silviculture Program, A Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFFF) partnership between MPI and the forest industry led by Forest Growers Research. This freely available during the development funding to provide for industry feedback. Download the beta version here.  

The harvest of Kaikōura’s South Bay Forest Reserve will finally get under way after a four-month delay. Source: The Press/Te Matatika It was originally planned for July, but Kaikōura District Council staff decided to bring in an archaeologist after completing a site inspection with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura. An archaeological authority has now been obtained from Heritage New Zealand. A cultural induction was to be completed on Tuesday along with site preparations, before the felling of trees begins on Monday, 11 November. ‘‘The important thing is the whole area is within a cultural landscape so there is the potential to find sites of interest,’’ council chief executive Will Doughty said. ‘‘So, we have taken measures to minimise the impact of ground disturbance. ‘‘It is not the first time the site has been planted and harvested, but it is good to make sure we have the necessary protocols in place.’’ A radiata pine forest was first planted at South Bay in 1978, with some areas replanted in 1993. A large part of the 12.6 hectares under forestry is a popular recreation area. Mr Doughty said the cycle trails would still be open over the Christmas period. The work is being carried out by Tasman Forest Management. The council approved a draft South Bay Forest Reserve management plan for consultation at last week’s council meeting. It is the second of five reserve management plans being developed by the council. An Esplanade Reserve management plan is out for consultation until 27 November, with hearings due in December. Mr Doughty said council staff were working on draft Top 10 Holiday Park and South Bay Domain reserve management plans, which were expected to be presented to the council on 27 November. The South Bay Forest Reserve, Top 10 Holiday Park and South Bay Domain Reserve management plans would be consulted on together. ‘‘We have provided multiple opportunities with early engagement and drop-in sessions before we developed the draft management plans, so hopefully we will get some good community input,’’ Doughty said. A Takahanga Domain reserve management plan was also in the pipeline.

Timber Queensland, representing the forest and timber industry has congratulated David Crisafulli and the incoming LNP Government on their election victory and recent announcement of the new Ministry. Source: Timberbiz “We have previously briefed LNP Shadow Ministers on the issues and opportunities in the State’s $4 billion forest and timber industry which contributes essential timber building materials for the housing and construction sector,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said. “We particularly congratulate Tony Perrett as the Minister for Primary Industries with portfolio responsibility for forestry. As the member for Gympie, Tony has a sound grasp of the sector. “We also thank and acknowledge the contribution of former ALP member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, who championed the timber industry as a local member and as co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of the Queensland Forest and Timber Industry,” he said. As part of its ‘breaking down the barriers to building’ policy, the LNP committed to delivering a landmark Queensland Timber Action Plan to ensure the State has access to the timber required to build one million homes over the next 20 years. “We are therefore keen to work with the Government on boosting timber supply chains to better meet these building needs.”

The Victorian Government’s so-called transition of native forest harvesting to plantation hardwood timber has again been shown to be a disingenuous fabrication, according to East Gippsland Nationals’ MP, Tim Bull. Source: Timberbiz Mr Bull said Labor had spruiked in a media release it had planted one million seedlings in Gippsland, providing no detailed information regarding the species of seedlings used. “I then lodged questions which were recently responded to and confirmed all one million plantings were pine (softwood), not one was hardwood,” Mr Bull said. “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has clearly stated building with wood is the biggest climate change mitigation measure we can take and goes on to say we should be using a balance of plantation and sustainably harvested native forest. “Not only has Labor removed native timber harvesting in contradiction to this, it is not looking to replace the resource,” he said. “It again begs the question Labor has never been able to answer – where is our hardwood supply going to come from both in the short term and long term? “The height of hypocrisy is, that this government ended the native hardwood industry, yet is ironically putting out media releases spruiking that it is building Victorian infrastructure with hardwood sourced from the Top End of Australia. “The Allan Labor Government has committed to building a series of new piers around Port Phillip, using Darwin Stringybark. “Labor never planned a transition to hardwood plantation, it was simply more weasel words from the government and yet another case of their dishonesty coming back to haunt them,” said Mr Bull.

Young women in regional NSW are exploring future careers in forest firefighting at fire camps across the state. The ‘Fire Up Girls’ Fire and Resilience Program is run by not-for-profit organisation Girls On Fire delivering fire and disaster management training to women aged 15 to 19 years. Source: Timberbiz Fire camps have been staged in Tenterfield, Casino, Lismore and Moree with camps to follow in Dubbo, Eden, Cobargo, Jindabyne and Tumut. Forestry Corporation is proud to partner with Girls on Fire in building self-confidence and resilience in young women through fire training. Founded by Fire and Rescue NSW Fire Captain Bronnie Mackintosh, Girls on Fire aims to increase diversity and build resilience within emergency services. “By giving young women these real-world skills today, we are preparing them to be tomorrow’s emergency services personnel and community leaders,” Ms Mackintosh said. “With a new bushfire season ahead, it’s never been more important for us to be ready, and it’s vital we equip the next generation to lead their communities. “These camps help young women discover just how capable they are. By challenging themselves with fire and emergency scenarios, they walk away with the confidence to tackle anything.” Statistics show women make up 5% to 7% of Australia’s firefighting workforce. Forestry Corporation’s Amba Addinsall said the organisation, as one of the state’s four firefighting agencies, is proud of its gender diversity on the fire lines. “This summer Forestry Corporation will have 519 firefighters rostered on to respond to the state’s forest fires and proudly around 20% of our firefighting workforce are women,” Ms Addinsall said. Forestry Corporation’s Tamara Reinhard and Renee Lawlor said the day camps at Caino and Lismore were hugely successful. “Volunteering for the day camps was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was so inspiring to see the girls grow in confidence throughout the day, form social connections and experience the camaraderie of working together in simulated emergency situations,” Ms Reinhard said. “Feedback from the girls was that the activities were fun, informative and exhilarating. They enjoyed using the live reel on the Cat 9 and the hands-on approach to the day.  If you get the chance to participate in these day camps, as a volunteer or a student, we highly recommend you sign up – it’s a great day out.” Forestry Corporation’s Kristen Coady said preparations are underway for the Dubbo fire camp on 7 November. “This will be the second time we’ve participated in the Dubbo camp. It’s a great initiative, and we’re looking forward to sharing our firefighting experience with a new group of young women. We want to send them home with some valuable skills and hopefully some enthusiasm for forest protection,” Ms Coady said. The Fire-Up Girls Fire and Resilience Program is free to participants and has received funding through a NSW Government Investing in Women grant. All young women are welcome to attend, with special encouragement for young women and teens from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Camps will be held in Dubbo on 7 November, Eden on 18 November, Cobargo on 19 November, Jindabyne on 21 November and Tumut on 27 November. For more information go to www.girlsonfire.com.au

The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) has warned the outlook for the fire season in Victoria, particularly in western Victoria, is looking particularly dire, with record low rainfall and low soil moisture readings creating ideal conditions for bushfires. Source: Timberbiz “All the Bureau of Meteorology’s predictors in the western part of Victoria are showing a drier than usual lead up to the fire season, with soil moisture low, and a high fuel load ringing alarm bells for the next few months,” said Andrew White, CEO of the VFPA. “Record low rainfall in the western part of Victoria combined with dry conditions in winter, means we have a ‘green drought’ in some areas, where the risk to our plantations and Victoria’s vital timber assets used to build new homes and create export income for local communities is extremely high. “Our terrestrial AI-powered fire cameras in the western part of the state help with early detection, but there is still ‘blind spots’ where we don’t have funding to put cameras in place. “Our members are particularly worried about the potential impact on these vital community assets, as plantations are vital supply lines for timber going into Victorian homes and exported plantation products create employment for local staff and contractors. “The forestry industry has funded its own specialist brigades which have already been actively working with DEECA and the CFA to conduct prescribed burns and preparative activities that will help protect the local community, as well as these vital community assets.” VFPA is the peak industry body representing the forest products value chain in Victoria, from those producing our sustainable wood to those processing wood fibre into an extensive range of value-added products used by Victorians every day.  Victoria is the home of plantation forestry, with more timber plantations than any other state. “Last season, the AI-powered fire cameras operated by the Green Triangle Fire Alliance detected 40 unplanned fires- 21 on private land, 11 on public, and 8 in plantations.” “The cameras were the first point of detection in various scenarios, detecting fire in some cases up to six minutes before another source,” Mr White said.

The forest products market remains a vital component of the global economy, driving growth through a diverse range of sectors including timber, paper, and bioenergy. Understanding the current economic landscape is crucial for stakeholders to navigate market trends that shape supply and demand dynamics. Source: ResourceWise. The US economy has shown resilience, rebounding steadily from the impacts of COVID-19. After a significant dip in 2020, GDP growth rates have stabilized, with a promising 3% expected for the second half of 2024. Despite this rebound, the forest economy has experienced fluctuating price trends. Theinstability is particularly evident in the softwood lumber and wood pulp sectors. Some areas have seen price declines which have persisted for several months. Others, such as engineered wood products, are witnessing a growth in demand. Following an extended period of rising stock prices, the US homebuilding sector encountered a slowdown in housing starts during the second quarter of 2024. This deceleration has reduced lumber demand and subsequent capacity adjustments in mills. Housing affordability, supply availability, and the direction of FED rate action have remained challenges throughout the year. However, demand for innovative wood products, like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams is anticipated to rise, driven by their applications in sustainable construction. Over the past five years, valuable insights have emerged to guide the forestry industry’s progress: Prioritize Efficiency and Cost Reduction The focus on prioritizing efficiency and cost reduction has led mills to embrace advanced technologies like AI-driven machinery, robotics, and optimized cutting systems. These technological advancements have significantly enhanced operational efficiency by reducing waste and boosting productivity. Precision manufacturing in particular has enabled sawmills to extract maximum yield from each log, producing more lumber with minimal waste. This approach not only amplifies profitability but also endorses sustainability. Additionally, mills are exploring innovative uses for wood byproducts in bioenergy and other bio-based products, thereby fostering a circular economy and minimizing waste. These measures collectively ensure that the mills remain competitive and forward thinking in an ever-evolving market. Invest in Expanding and Transforming Product Lines Sawmills have strategically expanded their product lines to include engineered wood products, addressing the growing demand for mass timber construction. This diversification has unlocked new revenue streams and bolstered the industry’s market position amid fluctuating demands in traditional sectors. The surge in e-commerce and global shipping has led to an increased need for packaging materials, especially corrugated cardboard. This product has helped counterbalance declines in traditional paper products. Many mills have pivoted to focus on converting operations from conventional paper production to packaging materials, seizing the opportunity to meet the heightened market demand. By integrating recycled feedstocks, mills can effectively balance supply and demand. Doing so ensures sustainable and resilient growth in the region’s forest products sector. Promote the Growth of Mass Timber Construction Mass timber construction, particularly with cross-laminated timber (CLT), has seen a rapid rise in popularity throughout the US. The growth has transformed the materials landscape of both residential and commercial projects. Its appeal extends beyond just aesthetics. The environmental benefits of using mass timber, such as reduced carbon footprint and renewable sourcing, align with growing sustainability goals. Additionally, local governments and building codes are increasingly supportive, adapting to incorporate taller wood buildings and streamlined permitting processes. This makes mass timber a feasible choice for larger-scale developments. The momentum is evident with over 1000 mass timber projects currently announced or underway in the US. These projects reflect a remarkable shift towards environmentally conscious building practices. Additionally, local governments and building codes are increasingly supportive, adapting to incorporate taller wood buildings and streamlined permitting processes. This makes mass timber a feasible choice for larger-scale developments. The momentum is evident with over 1000 mass timber projects currently announced or underway in the US. These projects reflect a remarkable shift towards environmentally conscious building practices. Along with opportunities come challenges. Identifying areas that require additional focus can help mitigate disruptions. We’ve outlined some of the challenges we’ve seen below: The forest products sector is currently navigating challenging supply chain imbalances, largely influenced by environmental factors and regulatory changes. An increase in wildfire frequency and severity, such as the 2023 conflagrations that swept through Oregon and Washington has disrupted the raw material supply. It has caused delayed operations and directly impacted timber availability. In tandem with these environmental challenges, more stringent sustainability requirements, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), have imposed additional compliance burdens on exporters aiming to meet European market demands. These factors combined create a volatile environment, demanding adaptive strategies from industry stakeholders to ensure continued supply chain resilience and market competitiveness. The forestry market in the Northwest US and Canada has experienced significant fluctuations in timber prices, partly driven by trade uncertainties that have created an unpredictable economic environment. These market disturbances have forced stakeholders to navigate significant volatility, making strategic planning more complex. As the use of sawmill byproducts like chips and residues for pulp feedstock increases, the demand for traditional roundwood pulpwood and whole tree chips has sharply declined. This shift has created significant challenges for landowners, loggers, and wood dealers, particularly those dependent on pulpwood sales to support forest thinning and timber stand improvement efforts. With fewer buyers in the pulpwood market, landowners are often left with under performing timber stands, while suppliers face reduced opportunities to sell lower-grade materials. The result is mounting pressure on the entire wood supply chain, threatening both profitability and long-term forest health in the region. Compounding these challenges are labour and workforce issues, the most recent being the US port strikes announced on October 1st. These strikes have further impacted the market by disrupting supply chains and exacerbating existing logistical difficulties, prompting the industry to address labour relations and workforce stability to secure its future resilience. Recently, the forest products industry has seen significant consolidation with larger corporations frequently acquiring smaller businesses. This trend helps companies achieve economies of scale, streamlining operations and cutting costs. However, it also leads to less competition and fewer opportunities for smaller, independent operators who […]

Microsoft is building its first datacenter to be made with super strong ultra-lightweight wood in a bid to slash the use of steel and concrete, which are among the most significant sources of carbon emissions. Source: Timberbiz A wood datacenter may sound strangely old-fashioned, if not improbable. But Microsoft engineers have developed a hybrid approach using cross-laminated timber, or CLT, a fire-resistant prefabricated wood material that will enable the company to reduce the use of steel and concrete. The hybrid mass timber, steel and concrete construction model is estimated to significantly reduce the embodied carbon footprint of two new datacenters by 35% compared with conventional steel construction, and 65% compared with typical precast concrete. Microsoft’s hybrid datacenters are the latest examples of how it is working to decarbonize its datacenter and construction operations. In 2020, Microsoft unveiled ambitious sustainability goals: By 2030, it would be “carbon negative” meaning it would take more carbon out of the atmosphere than it emits. And by 2050 it would remove from the atmosphere the equivalent of all the carbon the company has emitted since its founding in 1975. Four years later, there has been meaningful progress. In May, Microsoft announced it had achieved a 6.3% reduction in direct emissions over three years. But indirect emissions increased 30.9%, driven by the growth of datacenters and the hardware housed inside. Indirect emissions are particularly difficult to manage since they include carbon emitted during extraction, processing, manufacturing and even transportation of materials, and so are outside Microsoft’s direct control. In response, Microsoft has mobilized a company-wide effort to accelerate decarbonization. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck task,” says Jim Hanna, who leads sustainability for Microsoft’s datacenter engineering team. While no single action will close the gap between 2030 goals and current trends, Microsoft has multiple levers to pull. Contract language is being updated to accelerate decarbonization by including low-carbon requirements for materials and equipment used in datacenter construction. Select high-volume suppliers will be required to use 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. Investments in low-carbon building materials from concrete that permanently traps carbon dioxide to hydrogen-powered steel production are being ramped up in a bid to accelerate commercial supply. And cross-laminated timber, a staple of low-carbon building in the European Union that has only recently begun to catch on in the US, is being put to the test in what Microsoft believes is one of the first hyperscale examples of engineered wood in a US datacenter. Microsoft isn’t the only company working hard to meet its sustainability goals. Many big companies and suppliers have their own ambitious carbon-reduction targets – and are tackling similar challenges. “A lot of our suppliers are on the same journey as we are,” says Richard Hage, who leads global strategy for datacenter engineering at Microsoft. Everyone is “implementing key initiatives to lower the embodied carbon of their materials and their products.”

During COP15 in Montreal, Canada, FSC together with WWF and IKEA announced the launch of an initiative to fast-track Biodiversity Assessments in FSC-certified forests. Now, during COP16 in Cali, Colombia, the first results are ready to be shared, taking a further step in demonstrating the value of forest biodiversity and contributing to the delivery of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Source: Timberbiz These first results indicate promising initial research into the benefits of responsible forest stewardship for biodiversity. In the current biodiversity crisis, monitoring and assessing the impacts of human activities and conservation initiatives is increasingly important. Forest ecosystems and their responsible management have a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity across the globe. However, there is still a lack of robust evidence on how much responsible forest management, especially FSC Forest Management (FM) certification, contributes to biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity loss is the third greatest threat humanity will face in the next decade. More than one million species are facing an unprecedented extinction rate, and at least 40% of the Earth’s land surface has degraded. Evaluating the outcomes of FSC certification is essential to allow insight-driven improvements of Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS) and be able to communicate about the positive outcomes of responsible forest stewardship. This is important for FSC to remain relevant and credible in a changing market where substantiating sustainability impacts is increasingly needed. In late 2022, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), WWF and IKEA initiated the Fast-Tracking Biodiversity Assessment project. Soon after its announcement at the COP15 in Montreal , several other companies joined the project, which generally aims to enhance the understanding and monitoring of the effects of FSC certification on biodiversity. It has two main objectives: To evaluate the biodiversity value associated with FSC FM certification. To advance in the development of a standardized and robust monitoring framework for forest biodiversity as part of FSC certification. The project focuses on Brazil, Finland, and Sweden. In these three countries where biodiversity represents an important sustainability value, and where responsible forest management plays an important role for its maintenance. The project benefits from a combination of a technical perspective thanks to the involvement of local consultants and researchers with strong expertise in biodiversity and forest management, and a market perspective, thanks to the participation of various market actors steering the project. This combination ensures a good balance between the scientific soundness necessary to evaluate the outcomes of conservation and management activities and the relevance of the approach taken and subsequent communication of the results to a broad audience on the market. An interactive story presents the key results related to objective 1: to evaluate the biodiversity value associated with FSC FM certification. In addition, the project’s final reports provide more in-depth information and results. In each country, local consultants sought insights into the monitoring, management and conservation of biodiversity associated with FSC certification through exploring: More information is available here.

When large fires break out in New Zealand, like on Christchurch’s Port Hills, or when Australian wildfires cause New Zealand’s skies to turn pink and orange, Scion staff have an important job. Scion’s automatic and manual smoke forecast modelling can inform health authorities’ decisions and advice by forecasting smoke locations and fine particulate concentrations.  Source: Timberbiz The smoke forecast is published in a modelling prototype on Scion’s website. The automatic modelling is done using satellite detected fire hotspots and forecasted weather, which together are used to generate potential fire size, smoke emissions and downwind particulate concentrations. This smoke footprint shows hourly PM2.5 concentrations — concentrations of particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. It is these small particles that can travel into the body when inhaled and affect human health. High concentrations of particulate matter can also affect visibility. But automatic modelling has some flaws. Satellites pass over in four-hour intervals and clouds affect visibility which can reduce the number of hotspots detected. Automatic models are also built on assumptions that may not suit all situations. So, Scion’s Fire and Atmospheric Team also runs the system manually upon request, for example by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Scion initiated manual modelling when the Port Hills in Ōtautahi Christchurch caught fire in February. This allowed informed communication around smoke impacts, including where hotspots were not detected due to cloud cover. For the Port Hills fire smoke modelling identified locations where smoke and fine particulate concentrations could be predicted to drift over Christchurch. Smoke forecasts were produced daily showing where smoke could be hazardous over the next 48 hours if the fire continued. Qualitative results were accurate in showing the direction of smoke movement early. This modelling can inform Fire and Emergency, health authorities and the public, project leader Shana Gross says. “The purpose is to provide data that assists in decision making around smoke impacts. This could range from poor visibility over roads to health effects. For example, health authorities could use the data to provide advice on what to do based on projected smoke concentrations,” she said. This advice could include staying inside, shutting windows, or evacuating. The modelling system forecasts smoke from fires both here and eastern Australia. Forests and Landscapes general manager, Tara Strand, says smoke can have far-reaching effects. “Smoke affects many people and can impact many kilometres downwind… A member of the community can use this tool to build an understanding of timing and levels of smoke exposure,” Ms Gross said. While the smoke forecasts are still a prototype, Scion endeavours to keep them up to date, particularly during wildfire season. It is important to recognise, that in any model the outputs have uncertainty and error and while the team strives to minimise both of these, the prototype is still undergoing testing and evaluation. New Zealand’s wildfire season runs from October to May with the highest risk from January to March.

Timberlands, in partnership with the Rotorua Lakes Council, Regional Tourism Organisation RotoruaNZ and the CNI Iwi Collective, are urging all recreational users of Whakarewarewa Forest to stay out of unauthorised operational areas to ensure safety. Source: Timberbiz Timberlands manages the Kaingaroa Forest Estate, one of the largest sustainable harvest forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Alongside iwi landowners, Timberlands provides access to 200 kilometres of mountain biking routes. Timberlands General Manager of Sustainability, Colin Maunder, says Whakarewarewa Forest is a recreational haven for mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders, but it is also a commercial forest and those using the forest must never enter unauthorised areas. The forestry company wants to raise community awareness to the risks involved for both recreational users and kaimahi (workers) when people do not read, or heed forest signage. “When mountain bike riders, walkers, or hikers unlawfully enter an operational area, it creates serious risk not only for themselves but also for our workers who may be engaged in hazardous tasks such as waste thinning, aerial operations, and road edge felling activities. “We know that the forest is a great place to ride and play, but we urge everyone to read and heed forest signage and controls for their own safety and the safety of our kaimahi,” he said. Mr Maunder says the importance of taking notice of the signs in and around any forest area is vital, and shares that anyone who enters an unauthorised area can be prosecuted under the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015. “Starting in November we are undertaking harvesting in areas of Whakarewarewa Forest and have increased controls and signage in preparation. We want to prevent the likelihood of people going into areas they shouldn’t,” Mr Maunder said. “We are pleased to be partnering with our community to promote better safety behaviour across the ngahere (forest). We want to spread the word and ensure everyone can enjoy Whakarewarewa Forest safely.” Rotorua Lakes Council’s Active and Engaged Communities Manager, Rob Pitkethley, says council supports this initiative. “We fully support the efforts of Timberlands to protect our community and their workers. Timberland’s message aligns with recent work that council and its partners have been undertaking to increase safety awareness while enjoying the recreational offerings in the forest. “Safety in our forests is a shared responsibility and we strongly urge all forest users to read and heed the signs to ensure safety at all times.” Timberlands is particularly pleased to receive the support of RotoruaNZ, who will be communicating with local tourism operators. “Whakarewarewa Forest attracts thousands of visitors to our beautiful region each year, and we encourage our tourism operators to join us in educating visitors on the importance of keeping safe and heeding all signage,” Andrew Wilson, Chief Executive RotoruaNZ said.

Detached house approvals across Australia rose by 6.1% in September to 9890, the highest monthly number of detached house approvals in two years. Source: Timberbiz The Australian Bureau of Statistics Thursday released its monthly building approvals data for September 2024 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. “There were 28,970 detached house approvals nationally in the September quarter 2024. This is 4.1% higher than in the previous quarter and 12.9% higher than at the same time in the previous year,” HIA Economist Maurice Tapang said. “It has been a year since the RBA last raised interest rates. Unchanged cash rate settings, supported by strong population growth, low unemployment levels and acute housing shortages, have helped lift consumer sentiment. “The result seen in house approvals data continues to confirm that the market is past its trough, and more buyers are building a new home especially in those markets outside of Sydney,” he said. Detached house approvals in Melbourne were double that of approvals in Sydney, despite the two capital cities having comparatively similar population numbers and inflows. Mr Tapang said that detached house approvals in some areas of Regional NSW had also improved as home buyers in the state search for more affordable opportunities outside the capital city. “The cost of home building materials are growing at a more normal pace, while build times for houses are back to pre-pandemic levels. The price of shovel-ready land, however, remains prohibitively high especially in Sydney,” he said. “Multi-unit approvals rose by 8.5% in the month of September to 4,950. Approvals for multi-units have been bumpy and trending at decade-low levels amid challenges with capacity, labour availability and materials costs. “There were 14,890 multi-unit approvals in the September quarter 2024, which is 10.7% higher than in the previous quarter and 1.2% higher than at the same time in the previous year. “The volume of apartment construction needs to double current approvals numbers in order to achieve the Australian Government’s target of 1.2 million homes over five years,” Mr Tapang said. Detached house approvals in the September quarter 2024 rose by 49.9% in Western Australia compared to the same time in the previous year. This was followed by South Australia (+21.1%), Queensland (+17.8%), and Victoria (+9.3%). The other jurisdictions recorded a decline over the same period, led by the Australian Capital Territory (-20.9%), followed by Tasmania (-19.1%), New South Wales (-5.1%) and the Northern Territory (-1.9%). Muli-unit approvals in the September quarter 2024 rose by 179.1% in Western Australia compared to the previous year. This was followed by Queensland (+39.6%) and South Australia (+0.3%). The Northern Territory recorded no change over the same period, while declines were recorded in the Australian Capital Territory (-75.2%), Tasmania (-10.9%), New South Wales (-8.4%) and Victoria (-4.2%).  

Master Builders Australia released new analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data which shows detached home and apartment building times continue to blow out. Source: Timberbiz Fifteen years ago, it took on average nine months to build a stand-a-alone house. Fast forward to today and it now takes 12.7 months – an increase of more than 40% . It’s even more grim for apartment building with an average of 18.5 months from approval to completion to a whopping 33.3 months – an increase of 80% . CEO Denita Wawn said these extended construction timeframes are impacting the industry’s ability to meet housing demand and tackle the housing crisis. “With advancements in technology and construction methods, we should be building homes faster, not slower. “There are a range of contributing factors including labour shortages, declining productivity, union pattern agreements, supply chain disruptions, complex regulatory requirements, occupational certificate backlogs and critical infrastructure delays. “As a result, we’ve seen productivity decline by 18%  over the last decade. “Productivity is more than an economic buzzword. This data proves what happens in a construction environment without meaningful reform,” Ms Wawn said. Master Builders is calling for action to address these bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the construction process. “Streamlining regulatory approval processes, encouraging adoption of digital solutions, introducing incentives to grow the workforce through domestic and international means, and strengthening the domestic supply chain are just some examples,” Ms Wawn concluded.

Air New Zealand and LanzaJet have announced the preliminary findings from a study into using woody waste residues and low-value wood products in New Zealand to produce sustainable aviation fuel – a form of alternative jet fuel commonly referred to as SAF. Source: Timberbiz The feasibility study was funded by Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government, and undertaken in partnership with Scion, Z Energy (Z), and WoodBeca. LanzaJet, a leading SAF technology provider and sustainable fuel producer, has found that locally produced New Zealand SAF could meet up to a quarter of the aviation fuel needed for The study found that using domestically grown woody waste for SAF has the potential to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to New Zealand’s economy per year and create hundreds of new regional jobs.  Significant investment in infrastructure will be needed to achieve this. Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Kiri Hannifin, says the initial findings from the study are promising however, establishing and stimulating a new SAF market will be critical to ensure New Zealand doesn’t miss out on securing homegrown raw materials like woody waste for its own use and benefit. “These initial findings support that alternative jet fuel can be produced here in Aotearoa from our own locally-grown woody waste, which is very positive for a country that is heavily reliant on long-haul aviation and trade and currently imports 100 percent of its jet fuel,” Ms Hannifin said. “Alternative jet fuel such as SAF is currently the only real tool available to address carbon emissions from long-haul aviation, so it’s crucial for connecting New Zealanders, tourists, and exporters with the rest of the world. “SAF is already being used in small quantities by many airlines globally today, but it currently represents only a fraction of overall aviation fuel and comes at a high premium so anything that can be done increase supply and to reduce that premium is vital. “The right settings and regulatory environment will be important as New Zealand considers homegrown SAF because it’s the only way to secure the necessary global investment. “There is already significant international momentum and in our view New Zealand shouldn’t get left too far behind or we risk seeing the flow of capital go elsewhere or our valuable raw materials being swooped up by other markets for their own SAF.” SAF is almost chemically identical to fossil jet fuel and has the same emissions when burnt in an aircraft, however it has significantly lower emissions than fossil jet fuel over the full lifecycle of the fuel, from raw material production to combustion. For example, Air New Zealand’s June delivery of 500,000 litres of SAF into Wellington had an 89% life-cycle emissions saving versus the equivalent fossil jet fuel. LanzaJet CEO, Jimmy Samartzis, says the company is pleased with the initial results from the feasibility study and reaffirms its commitment to the region. “Building a new industry requires developing a broad ecosystem for SAF in New Zealand, anchored in technology and supported by policy, capital, and demand to help attract funding and make it at a price airlines can afford,” he said. “We are seeing many countries move quickly to put mechanisms in place to stimulate, produce and export their own SAF in the future, because aviation is critical to global economies, as it is here in New Zealand. “CirculAir, the SAF production approach assessed in the study combines the technologies of LanzaTech and LanzaJet to convert waste carbon into SAF. The process starts with LanzaTech’s carbon recycling technology, which (in this case) converts gasified forestry residues into ethanol. LanzaJet then converts that into SAF using its proprietary and industry-leading alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology. “The good news is that turning woody biomass into SAF is technically possible in New Zealand, and with the right settings, is an industry that can get started fairly quickly. “We look forward to completing additional analysis into what other feedstocks, such as municipal household and commercial waste, could be used to make domestic SAF production an even more attractive option in Aotearoa.” A second phase of the study, exploring the potential for municipal solid waste (household and commercial waste) as a feedstock for the LanzaTech carbon recycling process, is expected to be completed over the next few months.

Ancient cultural burning practices carried out by Indigenous Australians limited fuel availability and prevented high intensity fires in southeastern Australia for thousands of years, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Nottingham. Source: Timberbiz The research, published in Science, highlights how the intensity of forest fires in fire-prone southeastern Australia decreased over time alongside an increase in Indigenous populations in the area. Dr Simon Connor from ANU said a better understanding of the link between human-induced climate change and the projected rise in the frequency and intensity of forest fires will lead to improved forest management and conservation in Australia. “We often think about forests and woodlands in terms of trees, but this research shows that some of the biggest changes have happened not in the tree canopy but in the shrub layer. That’s something we weren’t expecting to find,” he said. “Indigenous peoples have shaped Australian landscapes over tens of thousands of years. They did this through cultural practices. We need to keep that in mind when we’re thinking of the best way to live in the Australian environment.” Using tiny fossils preserved in ancient sediment, the research team reconstructed ancient landscapes across southeastern Australia to understand how the vegetation has changed over time. The researchers focused on the shrub layer because this is what allows flames to climb from the ground to the canopy, leading to high intensity fires. The team then compared this with archaeological data to analyse how human activity has impacted levels of shrub cover in Australian landscapes over time. Lead researcher Dr Michela Mariani, from the University of Nottingham, said the expansion of Indigenous populations and a subsequent increase in the use of cultural burning led to a 50%  decrease in shrub cover, which in turn led to a decline in high intensity fires. “The shrub layer in forests can often act as ladders for wildfires to climb up to tree canopies and spread,” Dr Mariani said. “Following British colonization and extensive fire suppression, shrub cover in Australia has increased to the highest ever recorded, which significantly increases the risk of high intensity fires in the future. “Australia’s fire crisis can be tamed with the involvement of Indigenous practitioners in fire management. It’s important to rekindle ancient cultural burning practices together with Traditional Owners to reduce the risk of catastrophic blazes.” This work also involved researchers from the University of Melbourne, Monash University and the University of Tasmania. The paper can be found here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn8668

Sustainable Timber Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government have defended the native timber industry in the wake of rallies at the weekend calling for an end to the industry. Source: Timberbiz The rallies, organised by the Bob Brown Foundation, were held in Hobart as well as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and other towns and cities. Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) conservation general manager Suzette Weeding told The Mercury in Hobart that STT sowed millions of seeds across to regenerate native forests. “Sustainable Timber Tasmania is focused on delivering a sustainable and balanced approach to forest management in both native forests and plantations,” she said. “In 2023-24, Sustainable Timber Tasmania facilitated the harvesting and transportation of 1.26m tonnes of forest products for processing in Tasmania, including 180,288 cubic metres of eucalypt sawlog. “To support Tasmania’s special species timber industry, 8889 cubic metres of special species timbers was also produced.” On Saturday, Resources Minister Eric Abetz told The Mercury ending native forest logging in Tasmania would result to increased timber imports from jurisdictions with “weaker” environmental protections than Tasmania. He said the government made no apology for standing by the industry and jobs.