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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has unveiled a new mascot to be the familiar and friendly face of FAO’s work supporting countries and communities to manage the growing threat of wildfires. Source: Timberbiz Launched following the Global Fire Management Hub Plenary at FAO headquarters, the mascot Pyra is a female tiger symbolising strength, courage and a strong protective instinct. The mascot, which was designed using AI, will be deployed by FAO to help spread the word about the best strategies for preventing wildfires and reducing the damage they can cause. The tiger’s name was chosen via a poll of the experts, practitioners, policymakers and community leaders attending the Global Fire Management Hub Plenary. FAO chose a female tiger as a symbol of strength but also a symbol of wildlife under threat and to address gender representation in fire management. Fire management has traditionally been a male-dominated field, and the new mascot also highlights the need to advance gender equality, fight discrimination in fire management, and encourage more participation by women and minorities in leadership, firefighting and policymaking roles. “We hope this mascot will serve as a symbol for strengthening global fire management efforts and might also inspire collaborative campaigns across countries and regions,” said Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division. An exhibit during the Global Fire Management Hub Plenary also showed how mascots have long been used by countries to help engage diverse audiences, raise awareness about environmental issues and provide an instantly recognizable symbol for campaigns on wildfires. In Chile, Forestín, the beaver has helped raise awareness and encourage fire prevention. In South Africa an antelope called Bokkie played that role. In Brazil, Labareda, a giant anteater, represented the damage fires can do to native species and ecosystems. In the United States, Smokey bear, with his message, “Only you can prevent wildfires”, became a wartime symbol of care, caution and community action on fire prevention. And in Indonesia, SiPongi the orangutan stood for hope and action in the face of forest fires and, as a critically endangered species, for the urgent need to protect habitats as part of conservation work. FAO has a long history of supporting countries to adopt an integrated fire management approach to establish more effective systems for preventing wildfires, preparing for and responding to them and recovering and building resilience afterwards. In 2023, it launched the Global Fire Management Hub, a platform for supporting countries to implement the approach through adapting it to their specific environments.  

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Resource efficiency in construction is a rising aspect of sustainable development. By utilising materials that are efficient and require fewer resources for construction solutions, we can reduce the carbon footprint of building projects. Source: Timberbiz Resource efficiency benefits the entire construction value chain from material manufacturers and designers to construction companies, property owners and end users, as it reduces costs, improves competitiveness and can create new business opportunities in the construction sector. Effective planning is essential when creating low-emission and material-efficient buildings. Each construction material has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications, and no single material is perfect for all scenarios. By evaluating the overall environmental impact of materials, including their production, use, and end-of-life disposal, we can make balanced and informed decisions. Prioritising materials that enable resource-efficient solutions and offer high performance with minimal environmental impact is crucial in construction projects. Using material-efficient construction materials offers remarkable advantages. The primary benefit lies in their ability to reduce the amount of raw materials needed, which in turn lowers the energy consumption and emissions associated with the specific construction solution. For instance, using lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratios can result in less material being required for the same structural performance, leading to substantial reductions in carbon emissions. For real-estate investors and developers, using resource-efficient material solutions reduces the need for raw materials, which may enable project cost savings and increased profit margins. Material efficiency can also lead to thinner wall structures meaning more square meters can be obtained for sale. Meeting environmental regulations and qualifying for green certifications can provide financial incentives and improve reputation. Sustainable projects may also attract more environmentally conscious customers and can lead to higher property values and faster sales. For construction companies, less material handling and transport streamline construction, reducing labour costs and project timelines. Less material on construction sites means also less waste management expenses. Sustainable practices can attract clients who value environmental responsibility, enhancing market position. Resource-efficient construction materials offer architects and engineers a powerful pathway to smarter, more sustainable design. By optimising structural performance with minimal material use, we can reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and support faster, more cost-effective project delivery. Resource-efficient materials enable lighter, more versatile structures that maintain safety and functionality while allowing for creative and distinctive architectural expression. Embracing material efficiency not only supports innovation but also enhances professional reputation. As real estate investors, developers and construction companies are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions, the commitment to resource-efficient design positions architects and engineers as forward-thinking leaders in the construction sector. In this way, efficient materials are not just a practical choice; they can also be a strategic asset in modern construction. According to a new verified study, Kerto LVL brings over 70 % smaller fossil climate impact and over 80 % material savings by weight compared to steel reinforced concrete The new comparative study made by an international engineering, design and advisory company AFRY, highlights the significant climate benefits of Kerto LVL when compared to traditional steel reinforced concrete in certain applications. “In floor structures, using floor elements made of Kerto LVL instead of steel reinforced concrete, it can result in over 70% smaller fossil climate impact per square meter, with a fossil climate impact of 29 kg CO2e compared to 105 kg CO2e for steel reinforced concrete. Moreover, the material consumption per square meter for Kerto LVL is only 34 kg, whereas reinforced steel concrete requires 675 kg,” said Rosa Zabihian, Sustainability Manager from Metsä Wood. Location for the building site was assumed to be in Central-Europe, with local production for concrete and Kerto LVL’s production in Finland and transported to Central-Europe. The study was critically reviewed by Research institutes of Sweden, RISE and Ramboll. For the wall structure, two different load-bearing inner-core structures of external wall elements were compared: one was traditional steel reinforced concrete, and the other was Kerto LVL. The study reveals that Kerto LVL results in a fossil climate impact of 52 kg CO2e per square meter, while steel reinforced concrete has a fossil climate impact of 68 kg CO2e per m2. The overall fossil climate impact from the entire lifecycle of Kerto LVL is over 20% smaller compared to steel reinforced concrete. The material consumption per square meter of wall for Kerto LVL is 60 kg compared to 463 kg for reinforced steel concrete, meaning over 80% less usage of material in weight. This comparison illustrates the benefits of using resource-efficient materials in construction to minimize environmental impact. The results of the study show the climate advantages of building floor and wall structures with Kerto LVL compared to reinforced steel concrete. This can help identify opportunities for emission reduction in construction projects. By adopting material-efficient and low-carbon construction practices, all stakeholders within the construction industry can reduce the carbon footprint of building projects and contribute to more sustainable development.

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UK’s waste wood market processed more than 96% of material, annual statistics published by the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) showed. Source: Let’s Recycle The association said that there was “strong demand” for material in 2024. According to the statistics, 4.5 million tonnes of waste wood arose in the UK last year. Of this, 4.33 million tonnes (96%) were sent for reuse, recycling or recovery, the figures showed. The organisation compiled the 2024 figures through its annual survey of members who handle approximately 90% of the market, combining the findings with latest industry data. The figures are somewhat similar to 2023 which saw 97% of the material processed. The statistics highlighted that large-scale biomass continued to be the largest end user of waste wood during 2024, accounting for 2.8 million tonnes (65%) of material. This has seen no increase from 2023. The data also showed that the panel board industry remained the second largest user of waste wood, using over 920,000 tonnes (21% of processed material). This represented a small decrease of 4.5% compared to 2023, which the WRA explained was due to the depressed housing market and the closure of the West Fraser South Molton manufacturing plant. The amount of waste wood used for animal bedding, equine surfacing and other recycling and reuse is said to have decreased 11% year-on-year to 310,000 tonnes. The association linked this to reduced demand for poultry bedding due to avian flu, alongside reduced construction activity impacting reuse. Exports/imports netted off rose 2.8% year-on-year to approximately 211,000 tonnes (5% of the market), the reason for this being high demand for biomass feedstock in Europe, the WRA said. Usage in small scale biomass remained static at 90,000 tonnes which accounted for 2% of the market. Julia Turner, executive director of the WRA, said: “These figures show the UK waste wood market remains balanced and in great shape with well-developed and environmentally compliant markets for all domestic material. “For our industry to maintain this performance in 2025, it is important that sites are able to store material over the summer months for when it is most needed. This is why we are calling for the Environment Agency to ensure that its recently announced Regulatory Position Statement 352 is not too restrictive and allows waste wood to be stored safely and compliantly for long enough that it can be used through the coming winter.”

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Parks Victoria is on the hunt for new rangers, with 12 roles based at work centres across the state available. Parks Victoria rangers spend every day working with communities and delivering essential work to make Victoria’s parks the great places they are. Source: Timberbiz, photo courtesy Parks Victoria They support a huge range of outdoor recreation opportunities on more than four million hectares of public lands and waters, and protect native landscapes, plants and animals. Rangers boost local economies, build stronger communities and help forge lifelong memories of our great outdoors. From the banks of the Murray to the waters of Port Phillip Bay, and from the beaches of Portland to Bendoc in the East Gippsland mountains, the 12 roles are spread across regional centres, focused on frontline field work. There are also opportunities in Greater Melbourne, including at Albert Park in central Melbourne, Brimbank Park in the west and Braeside Park in the east. Urban parks offer an array of outdoor opportunities for communities, alongside fascinating natural and cultural heritage. A ranger’s role is as broad and as varied as the facilities and environments they manage. Building community relationships and working with volunteers are essential parts of the role. “Parks Victoria is full of passionate, committed people who move mountains to keep parks open, safe and clean, and protect our environment – this is your chance to join them and help protect our state’s great outdoors,” Parks Victoria chief executive Lee Miezis said. “Our rangers are so important to Victoria – whether it’s in one of our urban parks, a marine sanctuary, a campground or a wilderness area, everyone benefits from the work they do.” Parks Victoria is also seeking two ranger team leaders, one based at Serendip and the other a horticultural expert at Albert Park, along with an area chief ranger based at Alexandra. These more senior roles manage teams of rangers and oversee maintenance programs. For details on becoming a ranger, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/careers  

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Techlam has secured a significant contract to supply gluelaminated timber for the redevelopment of Palmerston North Airport‘s new terminal building. Source: Timberbiz Working with LT McGuinness Limited as the main contractor, Techlam will be providing structural glulam for this ambitious $43 million project. The new terminal, designed by Studio Pacific Architecture with engineering by Beca, represents a major upgrade for this important regional gateway and is scheduled for completion by mid-2027. “We are delighted to contribute our glulam expertise to such a vital infrastructure project for the Manawatū region,” said Brett Hamilton, Techlam’s Managing Director. “The design for the new Palmerston North Airport terminal highlights the increasing recognition of engineered timber as a preferred structural material, particularly for large-scale, high-performance public buildings.” Techlam’s glulam will feature prominently throughout the terminal’s main structure, creating both functional strength and visual appeal. The design incorporates a mono-pitch roof structure supported by glulam columns and main rafters, with distinctive X-frame beams forming the front and back walls. These elements will create a stunning double-height central area that maximises natural light, improving both energy efficiency and the passenger experience. What makes this project particularly exciting is the airport’s commitment to sustainability through material choice. By selecting glulam as the preferred structural material, the project shows how modern infrastructure can prioritise environmental responsibility without compromising on performance. Techlam’s glulam, manufactured from sustainably harvested New Zealand radiata pine, delivers substantial environmental benefits through multiple pathways. The carbon sequestration aspect is particularly speaking – trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, keeping it locked in the timber for decades, essentially for the lifespan of the building. This natural carbon storage significantly reduces the overall carbon footprint compared to more traditional materials like steel or concrete. From a manufacturing perspective, engineered timber requires substantially less energy than steel and concrete production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire project lifecycle. Being sourced from New Zealand’s sustainably managed forests, our glulam ensures long-term material supply while maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. The precision manufacturing process inherent to glulam also maximises timber use, while construction teams generate less on-site waste compared to traditional building methods. Beyond sustainability, our glulam offers exceptional structural performance perfectly suited to this demanding airport environment. The material provides excellent strength-to-weight performance, dimensional stability, natural fire resistance and excellent seismic performance, which is a major consideration for any major public building in our country. This project builds on Techlam’s growing reputation for delivering advanced and environmentally conscious engineered timber solutions across major developments throughout New Zealand. Much like the Wellington International Airport South Terminal expansion Techlam worked on around 10 ago, the new Palmerston North Airport terminal will serve as a great showcase of how engineered timber performs in modern, high-performance public buildings. The project is expected to be completed 2027.

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The South Australian parliamentary committee inquiring into the State’s timber industry officially ended its seven years of deliberations last week with concluding speeches by two of its members. Source: The SE Voice Opposition Leader in the Upper House Nicola Centofanti said the committee’s work reflects the significance of the forestry sector to South Australia “The unanimous support across party lines reinforces, I think, the shared understanding of its economic, environmental and regional importance,” Ms Centofanti said. “It has now been four months since the report was tabled, and we are keenly awaiting the formal response from Forestry Minister Clare Scriven to the committee’s recommendations. “The industry is looking for clear direction and leadership, and we urge the government to give these recommendations the consideration, and indeed the action, they deserve. “The ball is now firmly in the government’s court.”

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Western Australia’s Cook Government has passed the Conservation and Land Management Amendment Bill that aims to end large scale commercial timber harvesting in native forests. Source: Timberbiz More than 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests will be reserved by 2033. The Bill gives legal effect to the government’s decision to end large-scale commercial timber harvesting in native forests, a landmark policy first announced by Labor in September 2021. Since 1 January 2024, under the Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, timber taken from native forests has been limited to forest management activities that improve forest health and clearing for approved mining. The Bill also includes administrative amendments, such as allowing the Conservation and Parks Commission to meet remotely rather than only in person. The Cook Labor Government remains committed to managing our South West native forests for their health and resilience in the fight against climate change. By 2033 more than 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests will be reserved as national parks, conservation parks and nature reserves. “This is a landmark moment for WA Labor and a major step forward for the protection of our native forests,” Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said. “We are proud to build on the legacy of the McGowan Labor Government’s 2021 decision to end commercial-scale timber harvesting, and the Gallop Labor Government’s decision to end old growth logging in 2001. “This Bill locks in that progress, ensuring our South West native forests are protected from large-scale harvesting and managed for their long-term health in the face of climate change. “These are exceptional places, and they deserved to be protected for future generations to enjoy.”

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The 2025 World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE) concluded last night with a spirited celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student ingenuity. At the much- anticipated Gala dinner, WoodSolutions was proud to announce the winners of the Australian Timber Design Competition (ATDC). Source: Timberbiz This year’s competition brief invited students across Australia to design adaptable timber housing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Village. Under the theme “Designing for Legacy”, participants were asked to imagine dwellings that could serve athletes during the Games and evolve into enduring, liveable neighbourhoods in the years to follow. “The competition provided an opportunity for students to showcase their ability to solve real-world sustainability challenges,” Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs at Forest & Wood Products Australia said. “We’re excited to see this level of creativity on a global stage and at WoodSolutions, we’re proud to foster upcoming talent and help secure the future of timber design and construction.” Following a competitive shortlisting and review process, Team 3 was announced as the winning entry for their adaptable, sensitive, and sustainable project proposal. Judges commended the team’s thorough and thoughtful approach to both design and delivery, noting the high level of collaboration and structural resolution. “[There’s] lots of detail there which we scored excellent for that balance of cultural, structural, and environmental considerations” said one of the jurors. Congratulations to the winning team members: Charlie Bradley-Tasser Tamara Birtasevic Ruiyan L The 2025 judging panel comprised a cross-section of design and build industry experts spanning urban planning, architecture, engineering, and timber processing and supply: Grant Maher, Founder and Director of Jabin Group (engineering consultancy) Jonathan Evans, Specialist Timber Architect and Founder of Arbortect Steph Wyeth, Professional Planner in Residence at University of Queensland Katie Fowden, General Manager of Hyne Group (Hyne/XLam) Sam Charles-Ginn, architectural advisor for the Queensland Government. Their expertise, thoughtful feedback, and generous time helped shape this competition into a valuable learning experience for all involved. All judges were impressed by the depth and quality of submissions across the board, especially given the tight timeframes. The competition not only showcased the capability of Australia’s emerging design talent but also highlighted the evolving role of timber as a climate-conscious, culturally adaptive material. The ATDC was part of a broader WCTE 2025 program, which welcomed close to 1,000 delegates from around the world, including architects, engineers, researchers, builders, and product innovators. This year marked the first time the global conference was held in Australia since 1994.  

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