Passion for sustainable buildings - Special feature Australian bushfires 2019-20 - Responsible Wood
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Bulletin
Summer 2020
Passion for sustainable
buildings
Special feature
Australian bushfires
2019-20
Monique Pousson is congratulated by
Professor Cameron Bruhn, dean and head,
UQ School of Architecture, and Professor John
Macarthur, director, School of Architecture.
In this issue
» Growth for Responsible Wood » Glowing tribute to forests »A GM celebration of forests
» New PEFC members welcomed » Fire volunteers unite in trenches » Student architect wins award
Enabling
Sustainability
Responsible Wood PEFC International chairman Peter
Latham OBE (left) congratulates
growth recognised
Responsible Wood chair Dr Hans
Drielsma AM at the PEFC General
Assembly in Germany while PEFC
International CEO Ben Gunneberg joins
in the celebration
at PEFC
General
Assembly
Australian governing body records
third greatest increase in PEFC
PEFC ‘family’ gather in Wurzburg, Germany, the birthplace of PEFC.
forest area
RESPONSIBLE Wood continues to “Responsible Wood, then the Australian area in Australia alone.
Forestry Standard, and ‘CERTFOR’ in Chile,
grow from strength to strength, Simon Dorries said more than 90% of all
were the first forest certification schemes
with the growth of the Australian outside of Europe mutually recognised
commercial forest area in Australia was
covered by Responsible Wood certification,
scheme recognised during the PEFC and internationally endorsed by PEFC
a combination of native forest and
General Assembly. International,” he said.
plantation forests.
Meeting in Wurzburg, Germany, the “This marked an incredibly important
“Responsible Wood is recognised as an
birthplace of the PEFC icon, the PEFC milestone and, from 2004 onwards, the
important trust mark for sustainable forest
‘family’ gathered to celebrate the 20th year PEFC family has grown globally with many
management,” he added.
of the world’s largest forest certification countries joining the PEFC alliance.”
scheme. Responsible Wood is recognised and
Today, PEFC has more than 310 million ha of
internationally endorsed by PEFC and is the
For Responsible Wood, Australia’s largest global forest area under certification with
Australian national governing body for PEFC.
forest certification scheme, the anniversary more than 11.5 million ha of defined forest
marked an important milestone in the Responsible Wood manages the
development of global sustainable forest Australian standard for Sustainable Forest
management standards. Management (AS 4708) and the Australian
Trust mark for sustainable standard for Chain of Custody for Forest
Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries
forest management Products (AS 4707) and is licensed by
reflected on the important role the Australia
Standards Australia as a ‘Standards
has played in growing the scheme.
Development Organisation’.
2 Summer 2020
Mariya Maha, head of the Ukraine Association National Voluntary Certification System with Peter Latham OBE, chairman of PEFC International
and Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International at the 2019 PEFC General Assembly.
Ukraine and Guyana welcomed
to the PEFC family in Wurzburg
Certification and sustainability: from ‘niche to mainstream’
PEFC Week in Wurzburg, working together with Ukraine a trade agreement between in the humid tropics,” Ben
and Guyana,” PEFC International Guyana and the European Gunneberg said.
Germany, from November
CEO Ben Gunneberg said. Union.
11 to 15, illustrated how “The results from the project
Ukraine, on a border with Russia, The collaboration between will feed in to the development
the event has grown
is one of the largest countries PEFC and local stakeholders process of a national
as one of the most in Europe and 15.6% of its in Guyana began in 2015, sustainable forest management
important annual public land area – 10.4 million ha – is supported by the PEFC system in Guyana.”
dialogues on the future covered by forests. collaboration fund.
Both the Association National
of forest certification Mariya Maha from the Guyana, on the northern Voluntary Forest Certification
and sustainable forest Association National Voluntary mainland of South America, has System and Guyana Forestry
management. Forest Certification System, one of the largest unspoiled Commission seek to develop
said PEFC would support rainforests on the continent, a national system in the near
Under the theme, ‘Certification establishing and implementing some parts of which are almost future.
and Sustainability: from Niche a national forest standard for inaccessible by humans.
to Mainstream’, the PEFC Ukraine and Guyana are not
Ukraine.
Stakeholder Dialogue looked to “In a joint project with CIRAD, the only national members
the future and where the next “The reputation of PEFC will we have worked in the region that have joined the PEFC
20 years will take PEFC. help us to increase the trust to generate new knowledge on alliance this year. In June, PEFC
level of forest workers, and build the long-term impacts of timber welcomed the Vietnam Forest
The general assembly welcomed a strong cooperation with all extraction on both carbon Certification System (VFCS)
its 52nd and 53rd national stakeholders to eliminate the stocks and timber recovery and the Myanmar Forest
members Ukraine and Guyana risks to our forests,” she said. Certification Committee (MFCC)
into the alliance. as the 50th and 51st national
The Guyana Forestry
“We are very happy to see the members.
Commission is leading the
PEFC family growing further Dialogue looks to
implementation of the voluntary • Ben Gunneberg: PEFC looks
and we are looking forward to PEFC's next 20 years
partnership agreement (VPA), to the next 20 years (See P 17)
responsiblewood.org.au 3
Enabling
Sustainability
Ghost Mushroom
Lane a glowing
tribute to forest
management
in SA
GHOST Mushroom Lane is fast (Omphalotus nidiformis) is a bio- Forest, 16 km from Mount Gambier, SA. in
luminescent fungus that emits a soft green the heart of the Limestone Coast region,
establishing itself as a ‘must-see’
glow at night. the glow is enchanting.
tourist attraction.
The species is native to Australia and can be The mushroom was brought to public
The subject of extensive media coverage,
found growing on decaying plant material attention in 2017 after local photographer
with more than 65,000 visitations over the
left behind after a pine tree harvest. and renowned visual artist Ockert le Roux
last three years, Ghost Mushroom Lane
captured their glow in a series of stunning
is a demonstration of sustainable forest But perhaps no ghost mushrooms glow
images.
management in action. quite as bright as Ghost Mushroom Lane.
Reflecting on the discovery, Mr le Roux was
The aptly-named ‘Ghost Mushroom’ Found in colonies deep in the Glencoe
blown away by what he saw.
“I remember setting out on a random
trip heading towards the west of Mount
Gambier, and I ended up in in a forest off
Kangaroo Flat Road,” he recalled.
A 'must see' tourist attraction
Searching for the elusive ghost mushrooms,
Mr le Roux eventually stumbled upon a
colony that matched the description of the
native species.
“I went back to the same spot the next day
Continued P5
Ready for visitors… forest maintenance project supporter Kieran Gosden and ForestrySA conservation
planner Troy Horn with ghost mushrooms waiting to glow in the dark. (Border Watch photo)
4 Summer 2020
Ghost mushrooms… a runaway tourist
success in the Glencoe state forest.
The not-
so-hidden
treasure in
the heart
of the
Limestone
Coast
“This arrangement allows thousands of Mr van Niekerk said forest certification
people to continue to visit the local pine was a lifelong commitment; it provided
forest estate just as they have always done, OneFortyOne with a social licence to
to enjoy a range of activities such as the operate and provided ForestrySA and the
Ghost Mushroom Lane,” Mr Speed said. constituents with assurance that forests
balanced the needs of today and the future,
Visiting the Glencoe Forest, OneFortyOne
ensuring biodiversity was preserved for
From P4 general manager, business development
many years to come.
Green Triangle, Willie van Niekerk reflected
after the moon had set; it was like a fairy on the importance of forest certification In Mount Gambier for the Responsible
city.” in replenishing forests and providing the
mushrooms with an environment in which
Following Mr le Roux’s discovery, ForestrySA to thrive.
worked quickly to develop a visitor site in
readiness for the ghost mushroom season. “The Ghost Mushroom phenomena is A growing awareness of forest
a unique part of the forest, and to our management
Ghost Mushroom Lane was a runaway knowledge, this is the largest colony of
success, attracting 18,500 visitors in the ghost mushrooms in the world,” he said.
first year and positive media attention for
the local timber and tourism industries. “OneFortyOne is permitted by ForestrySA Wood AGM, CEO Simon Dorries reiterated
to harvest pine trees in the forest, and it is the importance of initiatives like Ghost
ForestrySA CEO Julian Speed said free site decaying plant material left behind by the Mushroom Lane in growing awareness
visitation and an uptake of paid guided harvest that has enabled the mushrooms of sustainable forest management with
tours had increased year-on-year and to flourish. constituents.
ForestrySA was now investigating ways
to further enhance the annual tourism “For OneFortyOne, sustainable forest “Managing biodiversity, innovation
offering. management is a ‘must’” and social inclusion are all key pillars
As a proud Responsible Wood scheme in our standards, and when it comes
As the South Australian government’s
forest manager, ForestrySA continues to holder and member, OneFortyOne is subject to connecting communities together,
to a regular audit program, ensuring forest promoting sustainable forest practices and
facilitate public access to forest reserves
preserving biodiversity Ghost Mushroom
under lease arrangement to OneFortyOne in management practices meet extensive
social and environmental benchmarks Lane ticks a lot of boxes,” he said.
the Green Triangle region.
endorsed by PEFC internationally.
responsiblewood.org.au 5
Enabling
Sustainability
Australian certified timber
award: the winner is Mount
Mulligan Lodge
SET in the rugged terrain of remote reception and guest room bungalows were picturesque eucalyptus-framed weir just
constructed with a mix of recycled ironbark. beyond the lodge. This dramatic outback
Queensland on a cattle property
Spotted gum was used for the structure, landscape is enjoyed from open timber
only accessible by helicopter or cladding, desking and internal flooring. decks with outdoor baths for the ultimate
4WD is a project that set tongues luxury Australian outback experience.
The project also won the Recycled Timber
wagging at the Timber Design Award. Complementing this stunning natural
Awards in Melbourne. setting and remote location is a palette
Mount Mulligan Lodge was a worthy of woolshed-worthy materials which
winner of the coveted Australian Certified draw from a distinctly Australian design
Timber category for 2019, sponsored by
Coveted award to Central aesthetic. The corrugated iron roofing
Responsible Wood, Australia’s largest forest
Queensland cattle lodge echoes the nearby water tanks and the
certification scheme. interiors are furnished with luxurious linen,
sisal rugs, bronze and marble bathroom
The first of 27 awards presented on the Mount Mulligan Lodge is a project that
fittings and leather furnishings but it is
night, the award celebrated building captures the essence of environmental
timber that is truly the star of this outback
projects that best showcase Queensland’s sustainability.
show.
native certified timbers. Every room offers views to the spectacular
In the case of Mount Mulligan Lodge, all backdrop of Mount Mulligan and the Continued P7
6 Summer 2020
Set on a remote 28,000-hectare cattle property, every room offers
views to the spectacular backdrop of Mount Mulligan
and the picturesque eucalyptus-framed
weir just beyond the lodge
Responsible Wood’s Jason
Ross presents David Dubois
of Dubois Building Design and
Interior Architecture with the
2019 Australian Certified Timber
Award for Mount Mulligan Lodge
An eco-friendly, self-sustainable resort: David Dubois architect
From P6 architect David Dubois of Dubois Building The remoteness of the project’s location
Design and Interior Architecture: “An eco- presented challenges which became
Guest rooms are lined in spotted gum friendly, self-sustainable resort.” opportunities for employing other
cladding and flooring and the lodge’s sustainability initiatives beyond the use of
primary structure is constructed from large He said the use of Australian sourced
sustainable timber. With no grid connected
iron bark sections, salvaged from Sydney’s and certified timber was important from
services or telephone, the building’s
Pyrmont wharf, complete with rusted bolts an authenticity and environmentally
design employs energy-efficiency and
and notches that spell out the story of its sustainable approach.
passive environmental design techniques
previous maritime life. David added: “Where possible, it was to maximise comfort given the region’s
The resort’s Sunset Bar has a main bar important to showcase Australian timber extreme seasonal temperatures, humidity
and shelving also constructed from the species, particularly Queensland spotted and very low rainfall.
reclaimed wharf timber. The bar area is gum species.”
imbued with a sense of drama through an He estimates that around 75% of the
exterior and interior clad in Woodform’s timber used in the project had certification
Sculptform, a beautiful matt-black, burnt Captures the essence of sustainability
through the Australian certification
and charred timber product. body Responsible Wood or through the
Glue laminated timber roof rafters provide international certification body Program for The lodge is 100% solar and battery-
large overhanging eaves which deliver Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). powered, harvests rainwater and treats and
welcome shading to the generous areas One example is the spotted gum flooring utilises its own waste for use in a kitchen
of timber decking. Design features such supplied by Boral Timber. garden.
as timber louvres and door frames are a The three gourmet meals a day offered to
Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries
further nod to the traditional homesteads guests, where possible, include fruits and
said certification was providing architects
of Central Queensland but with a 21st vegetables form the resort’s own drought-
with irrefutable proof that the timber
century update. tolerant gardens and meat from the
they have specified has been certified
The extensive use of timber at Mount to Australian standards for sustainable surrounding cattle station.
Mulligan Lodge was also not only a choice forestry management (AS 4708) and carries It may well be worth getting lost in the
governed by the desire to achieve an a demonstrative and valid Chain of Custody outback to find this architectural gem.
aesthetic sympathetic to its surroundings, (AS 4707).
but a hope to deliver, in the words of
responsiblewood.org.au 7
Enabling
Sustainability
Special feature Australian bushfires 2019-20
If only the tears were rain
Forest contractors at the ready… Colin Robin, Grant McConachy, Sam Wilson,
Peter Barker, and Brett Robin confer with Sgt Frank Parsons (third from left) on
emergency measures at Mallacoota Beach in the east Gippsland.
Tough volunteers unite in the trenches
WHEN the going gets tough the tough get tougher. of land, destroyed an estimated 480 million animals – including
the loss of 25,000 koalas on Kangaroo Island with 50% of the
The forest industry and its communities, savaged by
island burned to ashes – and ravaged an eco-system that will take
flame, are fighting in the trenches with a toughness decades to recover.
matched only by the fire-fighting services, Army
The fires ripped through more than 2500 buildings, including more
reserves and volunteers – men and women – who are than 1300 homes. And Australia’s summer is only just beginning.
waging a ferocious battle at the front.
The Australian Forest Products Association has commended all
Two volunteer firefighters died six days before Christmas when fire-fighting services and coordinators at a local, state and federal
their fire truck hit a tree before rolling over. level, but with many more weeks of the fire season still to run,
War time conditions … as thousands in our industry prepare to is appealing for a clear national consensus that the priority for
count the cost and casualties – and reasons – for one of the deployment of resources should be to save lives first followed
nation’s worst natural disasters. closely by livelihoods and jobs.
Five weeks after early fires started on Christmas Day and worsened The revived Friends of the Forest network, initiated by Healesville-
across three states, an accurate assessment of the damage is still based Kersten Gentle, former Victorian manager and national
impossible as they continue to coordinator of Timber Communities Australia, is providing a
engulf communities on all fronts. united ‘grassroots’ response to the state’s fires working within the
industry to coordinate volunteers and their forest machinery and
By the end of last week the fires equipment.
had claimed 24 lives – 19 in NSW, Thousands count the
two in Victoria and three in South As an example, Kersten said Brett Robin, a fifth-generation logger
cost of casualties
Australia – burned 6.3 million ha Continued P9
8 Summer 2020
From P8
Sir Peter Cosgrove… former Chief
of Defence to lead $2 billion
from Gippsland, and Powelltown contractor Peter McConachy, Bushfire Recovery Agency.
were hand falling and working in the fire areas in Mallacoota. Also
Colin and Brett Robin and Peter Barker of Robin Logging and Grant
McConachy and Sam Wilson of McConachy Logging were working
their machinery to help unload Navy vessels.
She said Friends of Forestry was designed to support and empower
timber workers, their families and timber communities.
“It’s vital to have a voice at the grassroots level so governments at
all levels understand the importance of rural industries such as the
timber industry to rural and regional communities,” Kersten said.
“This is for the whole timber and wood products sectors. We want
to educate across the full supply chain to unite this wonderful
industry.”
Kersten said one aim was to grow the volunteer network …
“to have representatives as a voice in various areas
such as the wonderful David Endacott, who is a long-
time advocate and retired forester in the Midlands It will be backdated to be
region, and Garry Squires in East Gippsland, an effective from the start of
experienced forest management planner. the last financial year and
Meanwhile, a crew of 20 veteran firefighters based in administered by a board of
California are in Australia to help fight the fires and independent trustees.
replace a group of personnel sent to Australia in early Former Victorian Premier
December. They include hot-shot and helicopter crew Jeff Kennett will oversee the
members with experience attacking fires early before advisory panel comprising
they grow into large infernos. Jennifer Westacott,
Australia and New Zealand have been sending former governor-general
firefighters to the US for more than 15 years, most Dame Quentin Bryce and
recently in August 2018 when 138 came to help battle businessman David Gonski.
fires in northern California and the Northwest. The recovery fund will assist
Business Council CEO Jennifer Westacott said it had with lost income, rebuilding
been a devastating, frightening and shocking time for infrastructure, wildlife care
Australia. and mental health support,
which will be administered
“Our hearts go out to all of those who have lost so
by the new National Bushfire
much,” she said.
Recovery Agency.
“We are so grateful for the efforts of our brave At the front… women volunteers
discuss firefighting strategies in NSW.
Volunteer firefighters in
volunteers and emergency services personnel, just as
NSW who work for private
we are proud of the efforts of the entire Australian
businesses will be eligible for
community to support those in need," she said.
up to $6000 in compensation under a federal-funded scheme,
The council will establish a five-year community rebuilding following weeks of debate about paying those on the front lines.
program that will work with the federal government's $2 billion Other states and territories have been invited to enter similar
Bushfire Recovery Agency to create employment for volunteers programs to compensate volunteers who have spent weeks or
and victims who have lost their livelihoods, as well as help with months at various fire fronts over summer.
the reconstruction and provide financial relief. It will be chaired by
former governor-general and chief of defence Sir Peter Cosgrove. If only the tears were rain.
The Australian Volunteer Support Trust will be permanent and will
focus on funding the education of children of volunteers who have
died in the fires and in future disasters. (Extracts from Timber&Forestry enews)
responsiblewood.org.au 9
Enabling
Sustainability Volunteer Brett Robin, a fifth-generation
logging contractor from Gippsland, Vic,
breaks from clearing dangerous roads at
Mallacoota to comfort a baby koala.
Special feature Australian bushfires
2019-20
Proud to
work on the
front line
Forest contractors are
doing an amazing job
KERSTEN GENTLE
IT'S hard to believe the loading aboard HMAS Choules to be restored. Thanks Melina for on the local community and
transport forest contractors and sharing this story and Robbie for the wider industry. Again our
fires are still causing so
machinery to Mallacoota. They the outstanding work you have thoughts are with the owners, all
much havoc. were ready to begin fighting been doing. the employees and contractors
It's times like this that I am so fires and clearing roads so other that depend on the mill for their
Timber families are the salt
proud of our industry – out emergency services can access livelihoods.
of the earth and I honestly
there working on the front line, areas devastated by these
do not know how Victoria will It was extremely sad to hear that
helping with logistics, supporting horrendous fires.
cope in future if the Andrews Fred Becker from Maramingo
their local communities and
It should be noted that Brett government continues with sawmill who spent his life in
doing whatever they can to
Robin, his family and friends plans to close down our industry. the industry died fighting the
help people and communities
have not only lost a house in fires. I met Fred on a number of
affected by the fires. It was terrible news about the
Buchan but have organised occasions during my time with
fire at the Eden chip mill, the
Graham Walker of Corryong truckloads of donated hay TCA.
biggest employer in Eden by
Sawmill, for example, laid his to the fire affected farming
far. This will have a huge impact Kelly Williamson, a supporter
workers off on full pay to help communities.
of our industry, has compiled
volunteer in firefighting efforts.
Melina Bath shared a great story images in to a beautiful tribute
And contractors are doing an with photo on the work being clip. Her post stated:
amazing job. done by harvesting contractor
Knowledge and love of "To our forgotten heroes, working
Rob Brunt who was working
McConachy Logging and Robin the bush is second to tirelessly to fight these fires.
with Telstra to clear a pathway
Logging prepared machinery for none
so telecommunications could Continued P11
10 Summer 2020Special feature Australian bushfires 2019-20
Our brave firefighters: thank you
for a job well done and take care
RESPONSIBLE Wood is incredibly grateful for the
efforts of those battling bushfires and remains
primarily concerned for the wellbeing of people and
communities affected by the disaster.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by the bushfire crisis along
with the firefighters, emergency services and the many thousands
of volunteers working to protect and support communities across
Australia,” Responsible Wood said.
Australia’s largest certifier of forests acknowledges and supports
the work of the firefighters, emergency services and volunteers
who have selflessly sought to protect and provide for tens of Bushfire volunteers…
recognising the
thousands of people. high risks taken.
“We recognise that many Responsible Wood members and
certificate holders have been significantly impacted by the
bushfires and are committed to work with all members and “Again, we say thank you
Selflessly sought to
certificate holders to assist where we can,” Responsible Wood said and please stay safe as this
protect and provide for
in a statement. emergency situation continues.”
tens of thousands of
“We are mindful that many of our members and certificate holders Fire-related matters will be people
are currently involved in active fire management and take this given the highest priority in the
opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for your incredibly hard work and continued revision of the AS /
acknowledge the very long hours, little sleep, high risks and the NZS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management standard.
stress that firefighting and fire recovery causes.
From P10 devastation and destruction. to do. Once the fires are over,
everyone must be prepared to
“Your knowledge and love for
From putting in containment fight for our industry. This may
the bush is second to none. You
lines to making it possible for be the only chance to get our
have sacrificed time with your
the fires to access otherwise voices heard and for Andrews to
families and placed yourself
inaccessible areas. Without reconsider his decision.
quite literally in the face of fire.
the logging and earthmoving In my eyes you will and forever As far as I've heard we have
industries and their machines be iron clad heroes. And for that already lost well over 400
there would be so much more I thank you from the bottom of coupes and hundreds of
my heart." thousands of hectares of
production forests. We need to Kersten Gentle… sharing stories.
It is important to take photos
communicate more effectively
to ensure people do not forget • Kersten Gentle is a member of
This may be the only what role the industry plays.
and ensure that we are all
Friends of Forestry and executive
chance to get our voices sharing the stories and having a officer of the Frame & Truss
heard I know the fires are still going loud voice. Manufacturers Association of
and there is still a lot of work Australia.
responsiblewood.org.au 11Enabling
Sustainability
AGM a celebration of forests
Responsible Wood’s strength underpinned by
by a growing awareness of forest certification
of brand and PEFC forest
certification to growers, the
supply chain and, importantly,
to end-consumers of forest
products,” he said.
“We are now starting to bare
the fruits of our labours with
a growing awareness of forest
certification and a growing
interest in Responsible Wood
and PEFC forest certification
within consumer markets.”
Mr Dorries provided members
with an update about the
proposed trans-Tasman joint
sustainable forest management
standard.
“The standard under
Eileen Newbury, national marketing and communications manager, FWPA, Victor Violante, senior policy manager, development is a joint Australia
AFPA, Willie van Niekerk, Responsible Wood board member, and Stephanie Beck, Borg Manufacturing, inspect the Borg
manufacturing facility in Mount Gambier, SA. and New Zealand sustainable
forest management standard
which will cover forests in
GROWING interest in “Forest certification begins in Responsible Wood, as outlined Australia and New Zealand.
the forests, through responsible in the annual review of activities
forest certification has “As a standard development
and sustainably managed forest 2018-19, Mr Dorries spoke of the
provided Responsible organisation, licensed by
practices, management of importance of the re-branding
Standards Australia and
Wood, Australia’s largest biodiversity and conservation,” of Australian Forestry Standard
endorsed by Standards New
forest certification he said. in driving a surge of interest for
Zealand to develop standards,
scheme, with a platform Responsible Wood has involved
for continued strength. a range of working groups in the
development of the standard.
Speaking at the annual general Forest certification begins in the forests
meeting, hosted for the first Following the AGM, the
time in Mount Gambier in PEFC and Responsible Wood Responsible Wood board
“So it is very appropriate that of directors, along with
the heart of Australia’s Green forest certification across the
we meet here in Mount Gambier, invited members and visitors
Triangle, CEO Simon Dorries supply chain of forest products.
in and among the forests, for participated in a forest field
spoke of the importance of
the 2019 Responsible Wood “Responsible Wood continues
forest certification in managing day hosted by OneFortyOne
AGM.” to invest in its marketing and
forests for multi-generational Plantations.
communication program,
use. Reflecting on the growth of
promoting the importance
12 Summer 2020High watermark for the application
of forest certification in building
Hills Showground… one of seven Sydney Metro stations covered by the project certification.
projects.
(Photo Sydney Metro)
Sydney Metro sustainability team
secures Richard Stanton award
First infrastructure project certification arrives on time
THE sustainability team behind Australia’s largest “In order to achieve project certification, timber sourced from a
multitude of different suppliers in the supply chain must meet
infrastructure project in recent years, the Sydney
all requirements for sustainable forest management and chain of
Metro Northwest project, has won the coveted custody for forest products.”
Richard Stanton Memorial Prize for Excellence in
Mr Dorries said not only was the Sydney Metro Northwest project
Sustainable Forest Management for 2019. the first complex infrastructure project to achieve Responsible
Announced during the Responsible Wood AGM at Mount Wood project certification, it was also one of the largest PEFC
Gambier, SA, the award and prize recognises the life of a man project certifications ever undertaken in the southern hemisphere..
who was devoted to the forest industry, both in Australia and
The dual award winners worked tirelessly with suppliers far and
internationally.
wide to deliver Responsible Wood and PEFC project certification
Awarded for the first time to joint winners, the award was won across seven of eight Sydney metro stations and four commuter
by Nick Clarke and Thirukumaran Jallendran, both formerly car parks accommodating 4000 car spaces.
sustainability managers for the Sydney Metro Northwest project
As Stage 1 of the multi-stage
proponent Northwest Rapid Transit (NRT).
project, the Sydney Metro will
The prize recognises the significant contribution of both men eventually include 66 km of rail
in achieving what is the largest complex infrastructure project system, with 31 new Sydney metro
successfully achieving PEFC and Responsible Wood project stations servicing Sydneysiders over
certification. a wide area.
Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries said their achievements Reflecting on the legacy of the project, Mr
represented a high watermark for the application of forest Dorries stressed its “power for lasting good”.
certification in building projects.
“We know of certificate holders who wish
“When it comes to achieving forest certification, and to maintain chain of custody for future
demonstrating that timber used on building projects are sourced projects,” he said.
from sustainable and responsible forests, project certification is
the ‘’ultimate’,” he said.
Richard Stanton Memorial Prize.
responsiblewood.org.au 13Enabling
Sustainability
Portsea Surf Life Saving Club in one of the most unforgiving environments in Australia”
and construction at the Mt Levy Beach it overlooks was a real challenge.
Life-saving re-build for iconic
surf club a challenge met
One of the most unforgiving environments in Australia
PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club Holt never returned after his regular in the notoriously unpredictable swells of
morning swim in 1967. Bass Strait, but in all aquatic environments.
describes its location as “one of the
most unforgiving environments in Since 1949, Portsea SLSC members have It was hoped that the programs would
been responsible for saving more than also nurture the life savers of the future.
Australia” and the Mt Levy Beach it
4500 lives on the beach and have assisted However, all club activities were becoming
overlooks as “challenging”. some 1500 young men and women to gain increasingly difficult due to the limitations
People may recall it was from nearby Surf Life Saving Australia’s coveted bronze of the existing clubhouse. Originally
Cheviot Beach that Prime Minister Harold medallion. constructed in 1960 from a shipping
container and upgraded in 1972, it could no
Since 1965 the club has maintained a
longer meet the needs of the club, let alone
patrol of ‘Portsea Back Beach’ as it is
provide additional services for community
Not just any timber would have better known, to protect local and visiting
and school groups and capitalise on its
withstood the constant wind, sand swimmers. It also provides a range of
spectacular location as a venue for events.
and water this exposed location educational and junior development
delivers programs for children designed to inform
them of the dangers that exist, not only Continued P15
14 Summer 2020From P14 pergola,
Boral Timber supplied the enormous
which hand-cut blackbutt battens which wrap
Perched on a very exposed cliff-top, the features around the entire façade.
site posed many challenges and it took two laminated
years to demolish the old clubhouse. In a blackbutt
The dramatic location wasn’t without its
postcode where the average house price beams overhead, as well as in the expansive
challenges for Boral either – access to the
sits above $2 million, the local community decking.
cliff was limited and uneasy. There was only
was able to raise $7 million of the $9 million The beams are made from Class 1 durable a single and extremely steep ramp leading
construction cost which is testament to timber compliable with the bushfire BAL- to the site.
their support and commitment of the club 29 requirement and also have chain-of-
and its activities. Mike Bullows, site manager from Ireland
custody certification through Responsible
Brown Constructions, said deliveries to site
Built by Ireland Brown Constructions, Wood, which ensures the timber has been
were tough.
timber is the real feature of this building. sustainably sourced and managed right
However, not just any timber would have through to the end user. “We had very limited access down to
withstood the constant wind, sand and the beach so we had to coordinate
Leon Travis, general manager, sales and
water this exposed location delivers. The different-sized trucks just to be able to
distribution, at Boral Timber explains the
specifications called for large, commercial fit down the road.”
advantage of certification: “Boral Timber
grade blackbutt timber, renowned for its has implemented Responsible Wood
durability and modern look. The colours CoC certification to support responsible
and textures of natural timber also sit and sustainable forest management in
comfortably in this coastal location, Australia.”
blending seamlessly into the beach-scape.
Important for builders, designers
Mr Travis said it was increasingly important and residents to know that the
Boral Timber was equal to the task for builders, designers and residents to timber used on the project is from
supplying the enormous hand-cut know that the structural timber, decking or certified, legal and sustainably
blackbutt battens which wrap around the flooring used on a project is from certified, managed sources.
entire façade. They are also used in the legal and sustainably managed sources.
responsiblewood.org.au 15Inspiration… traditional Chinese woven bridges
date back more than 1000 years.
Enabling
Sustainability
1000-year-old
Chinese structures
inspired award-
winning student
architect Monique
UQ selects recipient for inaugural Responsible Wood prize
PASSIONATE about global forest dean and head of the UQ School of traditional Chinese woven bridges, which
Architecture, said at the presentations date back more than 1000 years. These
management and sustainable
ceremony.’ bridges use a weaving method which
buildings, student architect creates a triangulated system that behaves
‘Monique was selected on the basis of
Monique Pousson was gratified to like a beam.’
excellent detailing, an innovative and
receive a Responsible Wood award visually expressive structural form, with ‘Using this logic, I started to explore how
for her performance in structural timber central to the design,’ he said. I could create triangulation in a woven
timber design at a special donors’ ‘What we build matters and so does how we
structure, rather than using a standardised
lunch in Brisbane last Thursday. truss.’
build it,’ Monique said.
Twenty-seven academic and merit awards What resulted was a layered structure made
‘Building with sustainability in mind should
were presented at the Lightspace Studio up of curved laminated timber members
be standard for the 21st century home.’
in Fortitude Valley, chosen by a select which intertwined in the horizontal, vertical
She expressed her support for certification, and diagonal axis, creating a large vaulted
committee from the School of Architecture
both forest management and chain of structure that ‘floats’ above the market
and School of Civil Engineering at UQ,
custody. space.
including Dr Joe Gattas, Future Timber Hub,
Dr Dan Luo, committee representative ‘By consuming certified wood products, Next, Monique explored the joinery of the
for architecture and Dr Lisa Ottenhaus we make sure that they come from a timber through an interactive prototyping
representing civil engineering. responsible and sustainable source,’ she process. Through this experimentation
said. she developed uniform member sizes and
‘The decision was unanimous to present
Monique with the inaugural Responsible Monique’s project brief was to explore shapes to simplify the on-site construction.
Wood award,” Professor Cameron Bruhn, the design of a long-span timber roof that ‘The complexity of the structure becomes
would house a large-scale market space in the building’s ornament, creating a visually
the centre of Brisbane. interesting space for the users to occupy,
‘I explored alternative timber structures while showcasing the potential of timber
Building with sustainability in mind construction to the public,’ Monique said.
and their future potential within the
should be standard for the 21st
construction industry,’ she said. Monique is a student architect at Biscoe
century home
‘The inspiration came from investigating Wilson Architects in Brisbane.
16 Summer 2020Ben Gunneberg addresses
the 2019 PEFC General
Assembly
PEFC has come
a long way in
20 years … it’s
time to look to
the future
Ben Gunneberg presents at the 2019 PEFC General Assembly
“IT has been an interesting journey…” the words of Ben as well as companies and trade associations.
Gunneberg, PEFC International CEO and secretary- “This means working together has never been more important.
general as he began his reflections at the 24th PEFC In the Congo Basin, PEFC members in Cameroon, Congo and Gabon
General Assembly in Würzburg, Germany. have joined forces in developing a regional certification system.
The shared language, the same forest and similar forest legislation
This year, the assembly was part of PEFC Forest Certification Week
in the three neighbouring countries enables them to share one
marking an important two-decade milestone.
system.
“Looking back to 1999, it was a time when we had no office, no
“This is ground-breaking innovation, and a solution we’re looking at
staff and no money,” Mr Gunneberg reflected.
for other regions, such as the Balkans,” Mr Gunneberg said.
“All we had was enthusiasm and boundless optimism for the
“We continue to harness the PEFC alliance in order to reach out to
future.
the public.”
“Now, we are the world’s largest forest certification system, with
PEFC photo contest last year was run in 13 countries, with
more than 300 million ha PEFC-certified forest area.”
thousands of entries submitted.
“We have some fundamental values that we shared back then
Along with other creative campaigns, the photo contest will be run
and we still share them … a focus on smallholders and indigenous
again in 2020.
people, the importance of property rights and working together, of
raising the profile of the whole forestry sector.”
Mr Gunneberg said working together had always been core to the
PEFC family.
Collaboration with other partners and stakeholders is
vital in getting our message to a wider audience
“We have grown from the 12 founding members, and with the
addition of Guyana and Ukraine, we now have more than 80 “While our alliance is our core strength, collaboration with other
members around the world,” he said. partners and stakeholders is also vital in getting our message to
“Our members represent millions of stakeholders worldwide – from a wider audience,” Mr Gunneberg said. “From partnerships with
small family forest owners and community forest owners, through the World Architecture Festival in the construction sector, to the
to forestry and processing workers and other social organisations, United Nations for the world of fashion, we never stand still.”
responsiblewood.org.au 17Enabling
Sustainability
Responsible Wood and PEFC certificate
holders including Big River Group
and Carter Holt Harvey extensively
supplied certified timber throughout
the Pingelly project
WA’s Pingelly
Recreation and
Culture Centre
wins world architecture prize
AUSTRALIA has proven its credentials on the global the local Pingelly community.” Patrick Beale from Advanced Timber
stage securing the PEFC supported certified timber Concepts said.
prize at the World Architecture Festival in Amsterdam Before the award ceremony, the 11 short-listed entrants had
presented their projects to the jury, consisting of Mark Thomson
for the second year in succession.
from Eco Effective Solutions, Keith Bradley from Feilden Clegg
At a gala dinner with more than 1000 attendees, the Pingelly Bradley Studios, Jonathan Coote from Warren & Mahoney and
Recreation and Culture Centre by iredale pedersen hook architects Hattie Hartman from Architects Journal.
and Advanced Timber Concepts was announced as winner.
Reflecting on the teams, Mark Thomson, who is also a director of
“We are delighted to receive this prize, which recognises Responsible Wood in Australia, was impressed by the calibre of
sustainable timber as a key material for a building at the heart of entrants.
“Once again forest certification has been warmly embraced by
teams throughout the world,” he said.
Once again forest certification has been warmly embraced
by teams throughout the world
Continued P19
18 Summer 2020‘Loved by all’… the multi-purpose
facility brings the Pingelly
community together
Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC
International, with Patrick Beale, of
Advanced Timber Concepts Studio
at the UWA, Adrian Iredale and
Finn Perdersen, both from iredale
pedersen hook architects, and Mark
Thomson, WAF judge and Responsible
Wood director
Australia again proves
its credentials on the
global stage
From P18
‘What’s more PEFC certification (and timber more generally) was a ‘It’s always amazing to see how architects and building
prominent feature in entries across all award categories.” designers use certified timber to create remarkable
buildings’
The winning building overlooks the small town of Pingelly
in Western Australia, and serves as a meeting point for the
local community. It consists of four pavilions linked by a long
“It demonstrates to those supplying wood from certified forests
veranda. The pavilions contain a sports hall, event spaces,
around the globe what can be achieved with the marvellous raw
bars, a community kitchen, a cultural centre and a bowls club,
material they supply.
welcoming visitors to sports events, music performances and social
gatherings. “This recognition will give clients confidence that timber is a
valuable and incredible material to use. Confidence is growing in
The community is made up of 12% First Nation people and is
the use of timber in Australia. “We will share the prize with the local
the proud home of the Pingelly Tigers – the first all-Aboriginal
community,” said Adrian Iredale, from iredale pedersen hook.
Australian Rules football team which was formed in the 1960s.
PEFC and WAF awarded the annual Best Use of Certified Timber
Certified timber is in the spotlight throughout the building.
Prize this year for the second time.
Hardwood was used in flooring, decking, cladding and panelling.
The prize recognises architects and project teams for their use
“It’s always amazing to see how architects and building designers
of certified timber as a main construction material for buildings
use certified timber to create remarkable buildings for people to
outstanding in sustainability, innovation, quality or aesthetics.
experience, live and work in,” enthused Ben Gunneberg, CEO of
PEFC International. Thirty-nine architects from 18 countries entered their
constructions for this year’s prize.
responsiblewood.org.au 19Enabling
Sustainability
The 2018 NZ Wood Resene Supreme Winner… the He Tohu Document Room at
the National Library in Wellington.
Architects: Studio Pacific; architect cultural consultant: Cliff Whiting; interactive
designer: Click Suite; structural engineer: Dunning Thornton; services engineer: eCubed
PEFC supports
innovation in The Family Bach, designed by Cymon Allfrey Architects, is nestled
in a semi-rural corner of Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury.
wood tech at NZ awards
PEFC, the world’s largest forest communications officer Jason Ross said. the World Architecture Festival’s Best Use of
Certified Timber Award.”
certification scheme, has thrown “The quality, design, materials and build
its support behind a new award philosophies employed demonstrate the In December 2019, the spectacular New
evolving and imaginative use of timber in New Zealand Lindis Lodge at Ahuriri River,
for wood and fibre products
Zealand and indeed around the world.” Canterbury, was shortlisted as a finalist in
and technology innovation to the PEFC-supported 2019 World Architecture
Reflecting on the role that forest
be presented at a gala dinner in Festival Best Use of Certified Timber category.
certification can play for a growing number
Auckland on March 26. of sustainability-conscious architects and Inspired by the Architecture Workshop,
The announcement follows the release of engineers, Jason Ross further emphasised the Lindis Lodge left a legacy at the 2019 World
the finalists for the 2020 NZ Wood Resene importance of design awards in supporting Architecture Festival; it was shortlisted for
Timber Design Awards with the judging panel specifiers that make positive and responsible the Best Use of Certified Timber category
commending the quality of this year’s entries. choices with timber. and World Building of the Year and was
successfully awarded the Hotels and Leisure –
“More and more novel, innovative “The NZ Wood partnership follows a similar
Completed Buildings category.
applications of timber are submitted every initiative with the Australian Timber Design
year,” Responsible Wood marketing and Awards as well as PEFC’s ongoing support of
On the board
Dr Hans Drielsma AM, B.Sc. For (Hons), Katie Fowden Willie van Niekerk Chief Executive Officer
M.F.S., M.Phil., Ph.D., FAICD (chair) Mark Thomson Patrizia Torelli Simon Dorries
Stuart West Judy Alexander Craig Smith
20 Summer 2020You can also read
