Focus News’ Post

Big news for sustainable forestry in Wales “Making wood work for Wales”, the Timber Industrial Strategy consultation has now been launched: https://lnkd.in/eczXaThe   The Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government is introducing proposals for Wales’s first Timber Industrial Strategy. Sustainable timber production can play a huge role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon absorbed by trees stays stored in the timber when harvested. Using this timber in construction and furniture helps keep that carbon locked away.   The best part? Trees are replanted and the cycle of carbon storage continues!   The potential to enhance our home-grown timber supply and increase wood recycling is immense. This is a fantastic opportunity for our foresters, timber processors, and manufacturers to contribute to a robust 'wood economy'. From the initial stages of forest nurseries, through planting, managing, and harvesting, to milling and designing end products, we can ensure that timber continues to lock up carbon long after it leaves the forest.   Woodknowledge Wales is very pleased to have supported the rational for Wales’ first Timber Industry Strategy over the past few years and we will be promoting the consultation process through our communications and events.   Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change said: “Timber is crucial to achieving a stronger, fairer, greener Wales. The forestry, timber and construction sectors offer varied careers, including high-paid green jobs, while also helping us tackle the climate emergency.    “We want our forests to bring economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits to the people of Wales for many centuries to come. That’s why I would encourage everyone to have their say in this important consultation.”   A sustainable future for Wales is within reach, and Woodknowledge Wales is looking forward to working with all stakeholders to drive this strategy forward.   Submit your response via https://lnkd.in/exW8Qj7w     Photo: Huw Irranca-Davies in discussion with Gary Newman from Woodknowledge Wales and Alex Hall from the Arfon Timber Co-operative, after launching the consultation (Licence: Crown Copyright - Royalty Free worldwide with attribution in line with Crown Copyright Licencing Agreement.) #timber #strategy #Wales

https://bit.ly/42tQ0WK Realistic automatic #Traceability #datacapture technology can also bridge the the gap between sector needs and the implementation of addressing real-world inventory, manufacturing or compliance concerns about #timber. #PLM entirely possible for #netzero #sustainabilty #naturepositive #sustainability

Please engage with this important consultation on Welsh government’s timber industrial strategy. Hugely progressive, very ambitious, critically important to: 1/ the health and wellbeing of Welsh communities, 2/ creating vibrant local economies 3/ being a potential massive contributor to dramatic embodied carbon in the construction industry. #regenerativematerialsfirst Woodknowledge Wales

📢 We are proud to announce that Mercer International received the 2024 SFI President’s Award today from Kathy Abusow, SFI's President and CEO, at the #SFIconf! This recognition highlights our commitment to promoting mass timber and SFI certification in our supply chain. At Mercer, particularly through Mercer Mass Timber, we are spearheading the advancement of wood technology to help redefine the North American construction landscape. Our leadership in this area is driven by our commitment to educating customers on the value of sustainably managed forests and the importance of SFI certification throughout the supply chain. Certified wood matters at every stage of the supply chain. It ensures that forests are managed sustainably, supporting biodiversity, combating climate change, and respecting the rights and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. SFI-certified wood ensures that the wood used in construction projects meets high environmental and social standards, essential for architects, engineers, and builders responding to the growing demand for sustainable building materials. We extend our gratitude to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative for this honor and to our team and industry partners for their dedication to advancing sustainable practices. Together, we are collaborating, learning, and adopting best practices to ensure that the forests we work in today are sustained responsibly as the forests for the future. 🌍🌳 Read more at http://bit.ly/4e7Nj0q #Sustainability #MassTimber #SFIAward #MercerInt #SustainableForestry #InnovationInConstruction #CertifiedWood #SustainableSupplyChain #MercerMassTimber

Explore the thriving timber industry in Portland! 🌲🏗️ Dive into Portland News' insightful look at how the city's timber sector continues to flourish amidst evolving challenges and opportunities. Discover the innovations driving sustainable forestry practices, economic growth, and community development. Learn why Portland remains a pivotal hub for the timber industry and its essential role in shaping local economies and landscapes. Join the conversation on sustainable growth and prosperity in Portland's timber sector! #PortlandTimberIndustry #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth https://lnkd.in/dMK2vJ6F

Taking the Centrist Stand When it comes to natural resource management and conservation, the mere mention of the word "environmental" often sends people scrambling to the extremes of "anti" and "pro". It is a human weakness that leads us to polarization instead of balance, and something that we absolutely do not need in a world that has become divided beyond recognition. No industry on Earth can survive unless it looks to short and long term protection, and forestry is no exception. I have seldom spoken to a forest manager that isn't concerned about reclamation and regeneration, though the risky practices of large clearcutting and of harvesting in sensitive areas had been a bone of contention. We need timber harvesting for our construction needs, paper and so much more. It's the manner of execution that demands a change of direction. Wood products are necessary for the production of turpentine, varnishes, paints, soap and cleaning fluids. Leather tanning would be impossible without components of timber, as would sausage casings and shatterproof glass. Balsam and spruce saps are employed in the production of drugs and glues. Synthetic sponges and some forms of plastic utilize wood products. Our world would be a much different place without our timber resources. If you've been reading my articles for any length of time, you may have discerned my "middle of the road" approach, which is a lifetime commitment and no accident. Extremism in politics, environmentalism or anything for that matter, will not yield the best results. More than ever, we need to listen, hear and understand, even if we don't always agree. It is an existential issue.

What properties make thermally modified wood sustainable? Let’s find out together with ESSPO Wood specialists: 🟤 The heat reduces the wood’s equilibrium moisture content, making it less susceptible to decay and more resistant to fungi and insects. 🟤 It exhibits improved resistance to swelling and shrinking caused by humidity variations, maintaining its shape and size over time. 🟤 The modification process alters nutrients within the wood, making it resistant to biological factors. 🟤 Thermal modification does not involve using chemicals, resulting in a non-toxic product. 🟤 Thermally modified wood promotes sustainable forestry practices and reduces the demand for exotic hardwoods. 👉 That’s what are you looking for? Get in touch with us – find the contacts in the comments!

// 🔥 Breaking Ground: Cedar Pacific and Sumitomo Forestry Collaborate on Sustainable BTR Assets Cedar Pacific, an influential Australian property investor, and Sumitomo Forestry Australia, a significant Japanese corporation with diverse interests in forestry, wood management, and development, have unveiled a strategic collaboration aimed at developing Build-to-Rent (BTR) assets in Australia and New Zealand. 🏠 This groundbreaking partnership merges Cedar Pacific’s extensive development proficiency in Australia and New Zealand with Sumitomo Forestry’s pioneering sustainable timber building solutions and steadfast commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Together, they pledge to craft vibrant residential communities that not only boast exceptional design and amenities but also champion environmental stewardship and social accountability. 🌲 The partnership’s inaugural project, 50 Quay Street in Brisbane, embodies their commitment to sustainability and affordability. As part of Queensland Treasury’s affordable BTR pilot program, the development, undertaken in collaboration with Hutchinson Builders, will offer 475 apartments, with 50% available at below-market rents. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Brisbane River, the project is being constructed to 5-star Green Star standards, with a steadfast commitment to operating at net carbon neutrality from inception. 🏗 Developers: Cedar Pacific Partnership: Sumitomo Forestry Australia Builders: Hutchinson Builders #propertydevelopment #build-to-rent #construction #brisbane #queenslandjobs #affordabilitycrisis #rentalcrisis #architecture #design #investment #capitalmarkets #brisbanerealestate #unlockhousing https://lnkd.in/gUj9SwTn

The Resilient Hardwood Timber Industry in Eastern Kentucky: A Story of Growth and Community Eastern Kentucky’s hardwood timber industry has long been a cornerstone of the region’s economy, contributing significantly to both local and state-wide economic health. With a rich history of timber production, the area is renowned for its diverse hardwood species, including oak, hickory, and maple1. This industry not only supports thousands of jobs but also plays a crucial role in sustainable forest management and conservation efforts. Economic Impact and Growth In recent years, the hardwood timber industry in Eastern Kentucky has seen substantial growth. The sector’s economic contributions have reached impressive heights, with direct and indirect impacts totaling billions of dollars annually1. Companies like BPM Lumber and Paintsville Wood Products are key players, driving innovation and expansion within the industry1. Sustainability and Skilled Workforce Sustainability is at the heart of the hardwood timber industry. Efforts to maintain healthy forests ensure that this natural resource continues to thrive for future generations. The region boasts a highly skilled workforce, with expertise in sawmills, logging, and forestry management1. This skilled labor force is essential for maintaining the industry’s competitive edge and ensuring sustainable practices are upheld. A Friendly Consultant from Dry Hollow Amidst this thriving industry, one individual stands out for their dedication and expertise: a friendly consultant from Dry Hollow, a small community in Lewis County, Kentucky. Known for their approachable demeanor and deep knowledge of the timber industry, this consultant has been instrumental in helping local businesses optimize their operations and achieve greater efficiency. Their work involves not only improving business processes but also fostering a sense of community and collaboration among local enterprises. By sharing best practices and innovative solutions, they have helped numerous businesses in the region adapt to changing market conditions and continue to grow. Conclusion The hardwood timber industry in Eastern Kentucky is a testament to the region’s resilience and commitment to sustainable growth. With the support of dedicated professionals like the consultant from Dry Hollow, the industry is well-positioned to continue its legacy of economic contribution and environmental stewardship.

💪 ‘We’ll Hang in There, Thanks to Our Responsible Wood Certification’ 🪵 In the face of diminishing wood supply from Tasmania's native forests, Karanja Timbers stands resilient, thanks to its membership in Wood Connect and its commitment to Responsible Wood certification. Fourth-generation sawmiller Wayne Booth emphasises the importance of sustainable practices as they navigate the challenges ahead. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Commitment to Sustainability: Wayne Booth expresses concern over the uncertainty of wood supply but highlights that Wood Connect's certification provides essential guarantees about its sustainable management practices. He admits Karanja Timbers might have to cease operations without this certification. 2️⃣ Importance of Certification: The sawmill, which supplies appearance-grade timber products to significant wholesalers in Melbourne, adheres to strict certification standards that ensure legal and ethical sourcing. This commitment meets market demands and fosters a sense of personal responsibility for the timber they produce. 3️⃣ Navigating Industry Challenges: With a significant reduction in access to native forests, Wayne notes that their annual timber supply has plummeted from over 14,000 cubic meters to just 3,000. The suggestion to switch entirely to plantation timbers has been met with scepticism, as their sawmilling equipment would require costly overhauls. 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can sawmills adapt to changing regulations and dwindling resources while maintaining sustainable practices? What innovative solutions can the industry explore to balance the demand for timber with conservation efforts? 🔗 To learn more about Karanja Timbers and their approach to sustainable forestry, visit https://lnkd.in/gxF9Bf-g #Sawmilling #Sustainability #ResponsibleWood #WoodConnect #Tasmania #TimberIndustry #ForestManagement #FamilyBusiness #Certification #TimberSupply