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A delegation from Bhutan, led by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Gem Tshering, met with India’s Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh in New Delhi on Friday (July 12, 2024) to discuss environmental concerns and the potential for collaboration in some critical areas. Source: India News Network The meeting, held in New Delhi, centred on crucial issues such as air quality, climate change, forests, natural resources, wildlife, and renewable energy sources. This bilateral discussion underscored the shared environmental concerns and the commitment of both nations to sustainable development. Singh expressed his gratitude to the Bhutanese Minister for Bhutan’s participation in the International Big Cat Alliance, an initiative spear-headed by India to protect big cats globally. He highlighted the strong ties between India and Bhutan, noting their shared geography, ecosystem, and democratic values. He emphasized that climate change is a pressing issue that affects both countries and requires collaborative efforts to address effectively. Tshering shared insights on Bhutan’s environmental initiatives, including the successful hosting of the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscape Conference in April 2024 in Paro. He proudly mentioned Bhutan’s status as a carbon-negative country, largely due to its reliance on hydropower for energy. Bhutan’s commitment to maintaining its carbon-negative status serves as an inspiration for other nations striving for environmental sustainability. During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in several areas. Climate change, air quality, forest management, wildlife conservation, and capacity building in the field of environment and climate change were identified as key areas for collaboration. The Indian delegation suggested holding a Joint Working Group Meeting to develop a structured plan for these initiatives, demonstrating a proactive approach to tackling environmental challenges. The discussion also highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources. Bhutan’s significant hydropower resources were recognized as a vital component of its energy strategy. India’s expertise in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, presents opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration. This partnership aims to enhance energy security and reduce carbon footprints in both nations. The meeting builds on the longstanding partnership between India and Bhutan. In 2023, Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary, Aum Pema Choden, visited India and engaged in discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. These talks reinforced India’s support for Bhutan’s development aspirations and underscored the progress in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including energy, cross-border connectivity, and economic ties. The 13th Five Year Plan of Bhutan, discussed during the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, outlines the nation’s developmental goals. India’s commitment to partnering with Bhutan based on these priorities reflects the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries. This bilateral partnership extends to newer areas such as digital development, science and technology, and skill development, further strengthening the ties between the two nations. Both India and Bhutan face similar environmental challenges, making their collaboration essential. Air quality management, for instance, is a critical issue for both countries. Urbanization and industrialization have led to deteriorating air quality in many regions. Collaborative efforts to monitor and improve air quality can lead to significant health benefits for the populations of both countries. Forest conservation is another shared priority. Bhutan, with its vast forest cover, plays a crucial role in regional biodiversity. India’s experience in forest management and conservation can complement Bhutan’s efforts, leading to improved forest health and resilience. Joint initiatives in wildlife management, particularly for species that traverse national boundaries, can enhance conservation outcomes, and protect biodiversity. The bilateral meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working together to address these pressing environmental issues. The proposed Joint Working Group Meeting will serve as a platform to develop concrete plans and actions. Both sides expressed optimism about the positive outcomes of this enhanced cooperation. The collaborative efforts between India and Bhutan demonstrate the importance of regional partnerships in addressing global environmental challenges. By leveraging each other’s strengths and experiences, both nations aim to achieve sustainable development and environmental conservation goals. The meeting in New Delhi marks a significant step forward in this enduring partnership, promising a greener and more sustainable future for both countries.

The Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC) and the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), in partnership with the US Forest Service, has launched a new website developed to educate architects, interior designers, and construction professionals on the attributes of Real American Hardwood products, as well as introduce new and innovative hardwood product technologies for the built environment. Source: Timberbiz Filled with information on the uses, value, and benefits of the most commonly specified domestic hardwood species, the website also explores new ways for design/build professionals to incorporate hardwood products, such as thermally modified hardwood and cross-laminated timber into commercial and residential spaces. A sustainability section provides visitors with data backed by science and research on the environmental and climate friendly qualities of hardwood products, and how they compare to alternatives, such as vinyl and steel. Linda Jovanovich, chair of the RAHC, says the new website plays an important role in educating current and future professionals. “As the RAHC works with and educates architects, designers, specifiers, and students, RealAmericanHardwood.pro is a valuable resource to serve those communities. I am looking forward to adding it to our education toolbox and putting it to work alongside our website at RealAmericanHardwood.com, which is designed to inform and inspire consumers and prosumers alike,” she said. “There are many different factors that are important to consider when designing a space for people to gather, while celebrating the Naturally Authentic beauty and character of Real American Hardwood products,” says Dallin Brooks, executive di-rector of the NHLA. “From the visual aesthetics of lumber to the functionality of different species, this new platform will equip all involved in the design/build community with the information they need to create a positive impact on both people within design spaces and on the environment outside by specifying Real American Hard-wood flooring, cabinetry, millwork, furniture, and more.” The website also includes a featured projects section, where visitors can read case studies about unique projects and submit their own work for publication. https://www.realamericanhardwood.pro  

JCB has developed a fully glazed, heated ROPS/FOPS cab alternative for the 403E electric compact wheeled loader. Source: Timberbiz The cab comes complete with heated front and rear screens, a heated seat, and an efficient three-speed heater with boost feature. It is also possible to pre-condition the cab while charging, to preserve traction battery power and potential operating time. The 403E uses a 2.2kW Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater system with three temperature settings. There is also a boost switch that can be used to rapidly increase the temperature within the cab for 10 minutes, before switching off to conserve energy. The heater is automatically disabled if the doors are open, to further preserve battery power. In the warmer months, the operator can use the blower function, even if the doors are open, to circulate air within the cab. Cab pre-conditioning allows the operator to warm the cab while the machine is being charged prior to the start of work. This time-based system uses a rotary dial and the main digital display in front of the operator to set the time that work will commence. With the start time set, the heater will activate 30 minutes before work commences and will de-activate 15 minutes after the start time if the machine has not been used. This feature will only function when there is more than 25% battery charge available. The heated seat provides rapid warming for the operator, reducing the need to run the main cab heater, conserving electrical energy and prolonging run time. Heated front and rear windscreens also allow rapid defrosting in colder climates and demisting during wet weather. Again, this reduces the requirement for the heater to be run, preserving battery power for loader use. The 403E is JCB’s first full electric compact wheeled loader. The machine boasts a 20kWh battery pack, among the largest in the sector, allowing up to 4-5 hours of continuous use in a mixed operating cycle. Even with the full cab, the machine weighs in at less than 2.6 tonnes, allowing transportation on a 3.5-tonne trailer, behind a 4×4 or a light commercial vehicle. The machine has a 33.4kW peak power drive motor for the wheels, with three driving modes. Drive is transmitted through a ZF drop-box, to both axles, which can be supplied with open differentials or with differential locks. In addition, it uses a 20kW peak power motor to drive the hydraulic pump for the lift arms and attachments.

Fiera Comox Partners, an affiliate of Fiera Capital Corporation, has announced the signing of an agreement to enter a newly established joint venture with Ngāi Tahu Holdings relating to Ngāi Tahu’s forestry estate on the West Coast of New Zealand, South Island. Fiera Comox will acquire an 85% interest in the joint venture, with Ngāi Tahu retaining a 15% interest. Source: Timberbiz The estate is situated on approximately 45,500 hectares and consists primarily of radiata pine and Douglas fir plantation forests. The forests are sustainably managed under a Forest Stewardship Council certification. For Fiera Comox, the investment marks the initial acquisition by Fiera Comox’s Global Sustainable Timberland Strategy, which invests in high-quality, private forests globally. The Timberland Strategy is led by a team of highly experienced professionals who have acquired more than two million acres of timberland in transactions representing several billion dollars in value. Members of the team also have deep operational experience having run one of North America’s largest private timberland companies managing more than 1.5 million acres, driving significant improvements in safety, sustainability, and financial performance. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Ngāi Tahu in one of the most attractive and globally competitive softwood producing regions in the world,” Antoine Bisson-McLernon, Partner and CEO, Fiera Comox, said. “Our team has had significant success investing and creating partnerships in New Zealand, and we look forward to working with our partners at Ngāi Tahu in generating long-term sustainable value for the joint venture, West Coast communities, and the Ngāi Tahu people in recognition of their deep connection to the land.” Todd Moyle, Chief Executive, Ngāi Tahu Holdings, has welcomed the partnership saying they were looking forward to building a successful long-term relationship with Fiera Comox, which has an established track record of working with Indigenous groups in both New Zealand and Canada. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.