Sustainable timber supply chains: Australia leads the way

Timber, The Ultimate Renewable™ material, has long been considered an architectural go-to for environmentally driven industry professionals. And as the industry’s grasp on sustainable design and construction has evolved, so has the role of wood in Australian architecture. Increasingly aligned with the principles of circular economy, and highly coveted for its renewable profile, structural performance, aesthetic versatility and biophilic qualities, timber’s part in the creation of a sustainable built environment is indisputable – and on the rise.

However, simply specifying timber isn’t enough anymore. Just like any other construction material timber’s sourcing and supply chain are an essential part of its environmental impact, and industry professionals should ensure that they specify wooden products that are responsibly sourced. But what makes a timber supply chain genuinely sustainable?

From WoodSolutions’ perspective, a responsible and ethical supply chain is built upon a few crucial elements, including transparency, traceability and a commitment to long-term environmental stewardship. “Responsible sourcing means ensuring that timber is harvested from well-managed, certified forests that prioritise biodiversity, conservation and the health of the ecosystem,” explains Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs at WoodSolutions and Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA). “It also displays that the timber industry in Australia is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint by sourcing from operations that employ sustainable forestry practices and minimising waste throughout the production process.”

And, perhaps most importantly for professionals here, certified timber in Australia does come from these responsibly managed forests. While maintaining consistent and transparent supply chains is certainly one of the key challenges the industry works tirelessly to address, Australian timber processors and forest growers have already made tremendous strides in ensuring sustainable and ethical sourcing. “The industry is increasingly focused on sourcing wood from well-managed, certified forests, ensuring that the timber we use in construction contributes to the long-term health of our natural ecosystems,” Kevin explains. 
Australian forest growers and timber processors are leading the way by complying with strict standards for sustainable forest management, like those set by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Responsible Wood (PEFC). These certifications provide adherence to demanding environmental and social standards through regular audits and stringent requirements, directly addressing concerns such as unethical practices and helping mitigate the risk of illegal logging entering the supply chain. The result? “With well-regulated and certified practices that help prevent the entry of illegally harvested timber into the market, Australia’s timber industry is in a strong position to support sustainable construction,” Kevin reassures. 

This commitment to responsible sourcing is bolstered by a collective push for greater supply chain transparency. Many forest growers and timber companies are making their sourcing practices more visible, and publishing sustainability efforts and certification statuses directly on their websites, demonstrating an openness that is absolutely crucial. “This transparency helps to build trust within the industry and ensures that consumers and professionals alike can make informed decisions about the timber they choose,” Kevin says. 

For architecture, design and construction professionals, this augmented focus on transparency and certifications is vital. It provides independent verification that timber products are sourced from responsibly managed forests – ensuring practices that support biodiversity, minimise carbon emissions and foster regeneration. 

“Certifications are a valuable tool in ensuring that the materials used in their projects contribute to the overall sustainability and responsible sourcing goals of the building industry,” Kevin explains. “Choosing certified timber products supports the broader goal of promoting sustainable building practices while minimising the impact of construction on the environment.”

Responsible sourcing, however, goes beyond simply avoiding deforestation. It involves active stewardship of the land – like implementing fire prevention and firefighting efforts to prioritising replanting initiatives – with the view of protecting local ecosystems and safeguarding communities, maintaining biodiversity and contributing to long-term carbon sequestration. “Forest growers are actively demonstrating a commitment to both sustainable timber production, the broader health of the landscape,” Kevin explains.

But specifying certified timber is critical not only because of the environmental impact – it’s also essential to address fundamental social impacts. “By supporting responsible forest management, we help to protect the livelihoods of local communities who depend on forests, while promoting safe, ethical and inclusive labour practices – and respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and local stakeholders,” Kevin.

For WoodSolutions – a program managed by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) – the concept of sustainable sourcing and ethical procurement aligns with their commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. And they see it as critical to Australian construction. 

“By supporting the sustainable sourcing practices promoted by WoodSolutions and our industry partners, the building sector can contribute to preserving natural resources for future generations, create more resilient communities, and meet growing demands for environmentally and socially responsible building materials,” Kevin highlights. “This approach not only has positive environmental and social impacts but also offers economic benefits, as responsibly sourced timber continues to be in high demand among consumers who value sustainability and ethical practices.”

To help industry professionals navigate responsible timber specification, WoodSolutions offers a range of reliable, practical and easy-to-access resources. They range from a supplier listing directory of companies who not only supply timber products, but the companies who service the built environment industry with expertise in timber applications, to an EPD database, which includes industry generic and product specific Environmental Product Declarations and information on the embodied carbon and sustainability of a multitude of wood products.

“Through our comprehensive list of resources, we aim to encourage professionals to choose responsibly sourced timber and to prioritise sustainable practices throughout their projects,” Kevin explains. “And ensure that they not only meet current needs and regulations but also contribute positively to the environment and society for generations to come.”

At the same time, WoodSolutions is looking to the Australian timber industry, emphasising the idea of constant improvement. “A sustainable and ethical timber supply chain is not static,” Kevin says. “It continuously seeks to improve practices and reduce its environmental and social impact, which means embracing innovation, exploring new technologies and engaging with industry bodies to ensure ongoing advancements in sustainability and ethical sourcing.”

With the growing popularity of timber as a sustainable construction resource – and emerging trends, like the rise in mass timber construction in mid-rise and taller buildings and exciting innovation in timber structural systems – it’s crucial for architects, designers and specifiers to opt for responsibly sourced, ethically procured and independently verified timber products. And by prioritising those, building professionals are set to not only drive more significant ESG outcomes but also motivate the Australian timber industry to continue raising the already high bar.