Mass Timber Construction Journal’s Post

The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Softwood Lumber Board, are accepting applications for the Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator. The Accelerator will support the growth of sustainable development in Georgia by increasing utilization and awareness of mass timber. According to an analysis by Oregon State University, mass timber both stores carbon and reduces GHG emissions by 60 percent when compared to traditional building materials. Architecture, engineering and development teams who submit applications for pending mass timber construction projects by July 2 will be evaluated by a panel of wood design, engineering, and construction experts. Up to six selected teams will be awarded a $25,000 grant and a suite of expert technical assistance to support the advancement of the project, including: design and planning, carbon assessment and cost-benefit analysis. Applicants should be in the early stages of planning and permitting with sufficient staffing capacity to fulfill the Accelerator requirements. Applicants must also have a commitment to sustainable development, with preference given to projects that plan on using regionally sourced mass timber made with Southern Yellow Pine. Sustainable mass timber construction is advantageous for Georgia because of the regenerative, privately-owned, managed forests that blanket two-thirds of the state. https://lnkd.in/gNnrSFR4

Through the Wood First program, Forestry Innovation Investment helps expand B.C.’s capacity to make value-added wood products and building systems. This added capacity strengthens B.C. as a hub for wood product innovation, ensuring the industry remains at the forefront of sustainable building solutions. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/gBVnJEyP Luca Sannibale Arnie Didier Lisa Higgins

A great article by WoodCentral on the groundbreaking research (with a GLOBAL perspective 🌏) happening at the Salisbury Research Facility, which really showcases Australia’s leadership in wood products and processing. At the University of the Sunshine Coast, we're proud to be involved in this Wood Science 'theme park' alongside a top-tier network which includes Timber Queensland, the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, QUT (Queensland University of Technology), The University of Queensland, Griffith University, The Australian National University and the University of Tasmania. The fascinating work being done in timber preservation, adhesive bonding, and engineered wood products at Salisbury aligns closely with our own research goals at the UniSC Forest Research Institute. Our teams are also exploring advanced wood science techniques and sustainable forestry practices to ensure that the timber industry continues to thrive while minimising its environmental impact. With the 2025 World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE 2025) taking place in Brisbane this year, the global spotlight is on Australia's innovative solutions to timber processing and sustainability. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with industry leaders and researchers, further bridging the gap between science and practical applications in the forestry and wood products sector, for a better tomorrow. 🌱 #WoodScience #Sustainability #ForestryResearch #TimberInnovation #UniSC #ForestResearchInstitute #WoodProducts #SalisburyResearchFacility #WCTE2025

The Ontario government's announcement to amend the #Building Code to permit encapsulated mass timber construction up to 18 storeys marks a significant shift in the province's approach to building regulations. This move aims to streamline construction processes, enhance efficiency, and promote the utilization of renewable forestry resources. By allowing for taller mass timber buildings, the government seeks to address various challenges in the housing sector, including the need for faster construction, reduced costs, and support for the forestry industry. Encapsulated mass timber construction, which involves covering manufactured wood components with fire-rated treatments like drywall, ensures compliance with fire and structural safety standards. This decision reflects broader initiatives within Ontario, such as the Forest Sector Strategy, which prioritize sustainable practices and innovation in construction methods. Moreover, the collaboration between Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec in the national consultation underscores a concerted effort to leverage mass timber's potential across multiple provinces. The endorsement from industry stakeholders, including the Ontario Forest Industries Association, highlights the positive reception of this regulatory change. The association's CEO Ian Dunn emphasizes the benefits of expanded mass timber usage for various sectors, including forestry, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. As the construction industry adapts to these regulatory changes and embraces mass timber construction, one pertinent question arises: How can stakeholders ensure that the transition to encapsulated mass timber #construction up to 18 storeys is effectively managed to maximize its benefits while addressing potential challenges? #masstimber #ontario #construction #michaelpage

Collaborative economic development is a great way forward. This post offers a nice overview of the Coalition's full supply chain approach. #masstimber #buildbackbetter #placebasedeconomicdevelopment #collaboration #innovation

With British Columbia’s decarbonization targets in mind, RJC Engineers principal Grant Newfield, P.Eng., is focusing on making buildings more sustainable. In March, updates to the B.C. Building and Fire Codes came into effect that allow for taller mass-timber buildings, up to 18 storeys. We spoke with Newfield about the significance of these changes. How are code updates reflecting the increased use of mass timber? For a long time, there was high public awareness of fires involving dimensional lumber in stick-frame buildings up to four or six storeys. Most of these fires occurred during construction, not after drywalling, but they gave wood a negative connotation. When we started developing provisions for encapsulated mass timber, which came over from Europe in 2009 and 2010, we differentiated it from dimensional lumber because it performed very differently in a fire. One of mass timber’s intrinsic properties is it takes a long time to get ignited. It’s like when you put a big log into a fireplace with nothing else to start a fire. You can hold a torch to it, but you can’t get that big log going! As mass-timber construction started to be demonstrated in buildings that met the same fire-safety requirements as for steel and concrete, people became comfortable with it and the public perception changed. Around 2019, the B.C. government mandated provisions to allow mass-timber construction up to 12 storeys, as part of a push to get more wood into buildings, both for sustainability reasons and to support the local forestry industry. https://lnkd.in/ghhrkUZQ

📢 COFI Releases "Building for the Future" Report We're excited to share our latest report, "Building for the Future," which emphasizes the critical role of BC wood products in providing cost-effective, climate-resilient materials for affordable housing. Key insights from the report: Rising interest in mass timber: Mass timber is gaining traction among builders, but it currently represents only 1% of the North American construction market.  Sustainable industry growth: The industry must grow sustainably, with more non-government projects indicating a maturing market.  Predictable timber supply: A recurring theme affecting investment decisions, emphasizing the need for a stable supply chain.  Collaboration with First Nations: Greater collaboration and relationship building are essential for advancing new partnerships. Discover more in the Executive Summary and full report here at https://lnkd.in/gG6y92tG #COFI #SustainableForestry #AffordableHousing #MassTimber 

🪵 Introducing Australia’s One and Only Wood Science ‘Theme Park’ The DPI Salisbury Research Facility in Brisbane has emerged as the epicentre of Australia’s wood products and processing expertise. It is poised to welcome international delegates at the upcoming World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE 2025). This unique facility is not just a research hub; it embodies the future of wood science innovation. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ A Global Perspective: Covering two hectares and equipped with over 3,100 square meters of machine shops, laboratories, and offices, the Salisbury Research Facility is a testament to Australia’s commitment to advancing wood science. With a team of timber engineers and forestry scientists, the facility collaborates with numerous universities and organisations locally and internationally. 2️⃣ Cutting-Edge Research: The facility is home to many projects focused on engineered wood composites, timber protection, and adhesion research. Dr. Rob McGavin, project manager at Salisbury, shared insights into new technologies that enhance timber properties, including a rotary planer that improves gluing and milling processes. 3️⃣ Sustainable Innovation: As the demand for engineered wood products grows, the research conducted at Salisbury is paving the way for more sustainable forest management practices. Studies on early-age plantation eucalypts and the development of hybrid poles showcase innovative solutions to address timber shortages and optimise resource use. 🤔 #questionforgroup: How can research facilities like Salisbury drive innovation in the timber industry? What role does collaboration between academia and industry play in advancing sustainable practices? 🔗 To learn more about the incredible work happening at the Salisbury Research Facility, click here: https://lnkd.in/g2qAynqN Queensland Government Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) Australian Forest Products Association Forest & Wood Products Australia WoodSolutions Timber Queensland #woodscience #timberinnovation #sustainability #researchfacility #dpi #engineering #woodproducts #wcte2025 #collaboration #forestmanagement #sustainablepractices #timberengineering #australianresearch #woodcomposites #innovationpark #forestry #academicpartnerships #cuttingedgeresearch #resourceoptimization #woodtechnology

🏗️ New Cabinet Vows to ‘Break Down Barriers’ for Building Queensland 🪵 The Queensland timber supply chain is optimistic following the appointment of Tony Perrett as the new minister responsible for forestry, a crucial role in addressing the state’s housing shortage. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Strategic Leadership: Timber Queensland’s CEO, Michael Stephens expressed enthusiasm for Minister Perrett's appointment, highlighting his understanding of the $4 billion forest and timber industry. This sector is vital for providing the timber needed for housing and construction, especially as Queensland aims to build one million homes over the next 20 years. 2️⃣ Commitment to Action: The new cabinet, led by the LNP - Liberal National Party, is committed to delivering a landmark Queensland Timber Action Plan as part of their ‘breaking down the barriers to building’ initiative. This plan aims to enhance timber supply chains to meet the growing demand for housing. 3️⃣ Collaborative Efforts: Timber Queensland is eager to work alongside the government to ensure that the industry can effectively support the state's housing needs. The collaboration promises to drive growth and sustainability within the timber sector, benefiting the broader construction landscape. 🗣️ #questionforgroup: What innovative strategies can be implemented to enhance timber supply chains and support sustainable building practices in Queensland? How can we ensure that the timber industry contributes positively to environmental goals? 🏘️ As the new cabinet takes on its responsibilities, there is renewed hope for the timber industry and its pivotal role in addressing Queensland's housing challenges. 🔗 To learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjv7J-eK #timber #queensland #housing #construction #sustainability #forestry #policy #leadership #timberqueensland #building #environmentalimpact #collaboration #community

"When we look at the use of mass timber in the United States, forest growth is projected to outpace mass timber demand by nearly 20%, even under the most conservative scenarios (highest demand vs. lowest forestry inventory estimates)." Atelier Ten has published a fantastic paper with multiple perspectives on nuanced questions and answers related to sustainability and wood construction. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g8GSacaZ