Metropolis Magazine’s Post

Wood construction provides durable solutions, with a lifespan of 100+ years when designed and maintained properly. The latest Metsä Wood Fact Sheet explores how engineered wood products, like Kerto® LVL, support long-term use. The latest instalment in our series - Wooden Buildings covers: ✅ The history of engineered wood's resilience ✅ Environmental conditions (SC1–SC3) for material use ✅ Accounting for natural forces like fire, snow, and water Explore the full Fact Sheet Library and discover how wood construction stands the test of time: https://lnkd.in/eVFB2APi #metsawood #kertolvl #timberconstruction #woodenbuildings

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

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

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

Stora Enso’s new head office in Helsinki, Finland, is a prime example of what a tree can do: a marvel of wooden architecture where modern, urban work life meets nature, well-being, and the renewability of the forest.✨ 🌲In harvesting, Stora Enso follows the principles of sustainable forestry and promotes certifications: the building is made of PEFC-certified Finnish and Swedish spruce 🛋️Built with around 7,600 cubic meters of massive timber, cut from the trunk of the tree, the building beautifully showcases the wooden elements throughout the interior 🌱After trees have been harvested in final fellings, new seedlings are planted to ensure forest regeneration: growing trees also bind carbon 🏢While the new forest continues to grow, the 6,000 tonnes of CO2 bound by the harvested trees are now stored in the structures of the new head office 💨Using wood not only stores carbon but also substitutes non-renewable materials like concrete and steel The longer wood remains in use, the longer CO2 remains bound and the longer the material continues to bring a bit of nature into an urban environment. 🌿👉Read more in our article: https://lnkd.in/e2E_pAMk #sustainableforestry #sustainablebuildings #woodenbuilding

Have you ever considered the carbon footprint of the building materials you use? When I was first introduced to sustainable construction, it hadn’t crossed my mind just how significant our material choices are in terms of environmental impact. One simple yet effective change I’ve implemented is local sourcing of timber. Why local timber? The UK is blessed with diverse woodlands that produce high-quality timber, reducing the need for imports that travel thousands of miles. By choosing UK-sourced timber, we significantly cut down on transportation emissions. Last year, on a project in the Cotswolds, we opted for locally harvested larch and oak. Not only did this decision cut our carbon footprint, but it also supported local forestry businesses. Here's a practical tip: start by connecting with local sawmills and timber suppliers. Many offer sustainably managed wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications ensure that the timber is sourced responsibly. The next time you have a project, ask yourself: could I use local materials? You might find the answer not only benefits the planet but also enriches your project through unique local character and charm.         https://lnkd.in/dGnHwPGe

Milwaukee's new Ascent building claims the title of the world’s tallest mass timber structure--but, as with other timber structures, its sustainability claims warrant greater scrutiny. The narrative of mass timber emerging as a green alternative to traditional construction materials can border on "greenwashing." This refers to misleading information about environmental sustainability that puts greater emphasis on green marketing than on actual sustainable development. Here are facts that can’t be disputed: Structural steel is fully recyclable and boasts a higher recycled content than other structural materials. In contrast, the sustainability of mass timber hinges on responsible forestry practices and the environmental impact of transporting timber over long distances--and there remains a great deal of ambiguity around mass timber's carbon reporting data. As the construction industry evolves, it’s essential to critically assess the true environmental impact of materials and avoid the trap of oversimplified sustainability claims. AISC Vice President of Sustainability and Government Relations Brian Raff explained the issue in more detail in a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel op-ed: https://ow.ly/jUtl50Sbh5u

🪵 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

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

Black Locust in Land Reclamation and Soil Enrichment Did you know that Black Locust isn’t just a stunning, sustainable hardwood but also a game-changer for land reclamation and soil health? This incredible tree brings life back to depleted lands while supporting sustainable practices. In our latest blog, we explore: 🌾 Land Reclamation: How Black Locust thrives in challenging environments and restores degraded landscapes. 🌳 Soil Enrichment: Its natural ability to fix nitrogen and promote healthier, more fertile soil. 🌎 Sustainability: A hardwood that’s as kind to the planet as it is versatile in its uses. Let’s take a step toward building a greener future — one Black Locust tree at a time. Whether you're an eco-conscious landowner, landscaper, or architect, this is a story you won't want to miss. 👉 Read the full blog here: https://loom.ly/XIpPqvc #BlackLocust #SustainableForestry #LandReclamation #SoilHealth #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #GreenBuilding #Reforestation #LandscapeArchitecture #EcoConscious #NatureBasedSolutions #HardwoodInnovation