PAVING THE WAY FOR A GREENER FUTURE

FRAME AND TRUSS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

PAVING THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY.

On October 18, the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA), alongside Wood Products Victoria, the Gippsland Forestry Hub, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, launched a pivotal document titled Steps Towards a Greener Future. This report specifically addresses the critical role of forestry in establishing a sustainable future for Australian housing.

The report puts forth 23 well-researched recommendations aimed at helping the Australian government meet its environmental targets (Net-Zero by 2050) while also fulfilling its housing commitment of 1.2 million new homes over the next five years, as outlined in the National Housing Accord 2022. It delves into several issues and proposes solutions across four key categories.

At the heart of the report are themes of sustainable forestry, carbon capture, engineered wood design through offsite prefabrication, and the essential message: “if we can build with timber, we must.” It highlights the significant benefits of carbon storage provided by forests and argues that Australia must take proactive steps to enhance its forestry practices, mirroring the efforts of other countries in achieving global emission targets while meeting the urgent housing needs of its citizens.

The launch was hosted at the Morwell Innovation Centre in Victoria, featuring insights from FTMA’s CEO Kersten Gentle, Wood Products Victoria’s Dr. Alastair Woodard, and Heartwood Unlimited Managing Director Jon Lambert. Kersten introduced Carbon Warrior, FTMA’s environmental initiative, which discusses the original policy proposal, 4 Steps Towards a Greener Future, focusing on carbon capture, renewable energy investments, and the need for legislation supporting bio-based materials in construction. She showcased examples from other nations that have integrated renewable materials into their building regulations, stressing that Australia should follow this progressive path.

Alastair elaborated on the Steps Towards a Greener Future report, emphasising how straightforward solutions could be achievable with the right policies. “The building sector wields substantial influence. We account for 12-20% of water consumption, 25-40% of energy use, produce 30-40% of greenhouse gas emissions, and generate 25-40% of solid waste,” he remarked. He underscored the necessity of considering the full impact of our choices and the importance of life cycle assessments—evaluating how materials are sourced, produced, transported, maintained, and eventually disposed of. The report also advocates for a circular economy, urging consideration of both the beginnings and endings of material use.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for the forest and wood products sector. With the global focus on reducing CO2 emissions, we can make a significant, positive impact. It’s a once-in-a-generation chance,” Alastair noted.

Jon Lambert provided a realistic perspective on the sustainable forestry landscape in Australia, discussing current challenges within the sector stemming from existing government regulations. Alarmingly, up to 40% of Australia’s timber demand is met through imports, raising the pressing question: why aren’t we planting more trees in a nation so vast?

A panel discussion followed, focused on how the report’s findings could guide Australia towards a sustainable future—benefiting the environment, communities, economy, and industries alike. It became evident that both federal and state governments need to spearhead significant change.

For FTMA, Steps Towards a Greener Future is an essential tool for enhancing awareness and education, particularly within the frame and truss industry, while addressing the broader context of sustainable forestry practices. The report will be circulated among state and federal politicians and has already attracted preliminary interest from key political offices.

For more information about the report, its goals, or how it can be utilised, please reach out to FTMA.

MAIN PIC: (L-R): Dr. Alastair Woodard (WPV), Kersten Gentle (FTMA), Lesia Goodwin (Gippsland Forestry Hub),
Jon Lambert (Heartwood Unlimited) share a passion for advocating the critical role of forestry in creating a
sustainable further for Australian housing.  PHOTO: FTMA