Forests are essential to our planet's health, and managing them sustainably is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By making informed decisions about how we use and protect our forests, we can help to preserve biodiversity, reduce waste, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
However, there is ongoing debate about the best carbon mitigation pathway when it comes to using wood. While it is true that sustainably managed forests can be a renewable source of carbon-neutral energy and materials, it is also important to consider the full life cycle impacts of wood products, including harvesting, transportation, and disposal.
We know we have to think sustainably when we use timber today. Sustainable forestry is a core weapon in our fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Market demand for sustainable wood products is on the rise, but the trend is further accelerated by legislation making it necessary for everyone to keep up. In 2022, the European Parliament voted in favor of regulations requiring companies to ensure wood products sold in the EU do not come from deforested or degraded land. While not yet law, the market now has impending legislation creating an urgent need for the market to implement enhanced sustainable practices. Combine this with growing consumer awareness, and sustainability in the industry is fulfilling both market and environmental needs.
In the Netherlands, there is already a high proportion of certified wood-based products in the market, thanks in part to the government promoting the production and consumption of sustainable timber with a comprehensive procurement policy and establishing the Sustainable Trade Initiative. Indeed last year saw the city of Amsterdam mandate that 20 percent of all new housing projects in the city be constructed with wood or other biobased materials from 2025 onwards. Meanwhile, research demonstrates a high rate of consumer interest in sustainable practices in the Netherlands, with almost 80 percent of Dutch consumers indicating that they consider sustainability in their purchasing decisions and consumer activity.
According to a 2022 report by Deloitte, consumers today are much more commonly seeking sustainable lifestyles than in the past. Everyday products typically produced from plastics, from toothbrushes to phone cases, are likely to be increasingly replaced by wood-based products as consumer demand for sustainable living continues. Meanwhile, McKinsey research indicates that sustainability is likewise important for B2B growth, pointing to sustainable products as a source of durable competitive advantage. The associated return on investment will reportedly come from profitable growth of new sustainable offerings.
“As the construction industry faces scrutiny for its polluting qualities as well as its high energy usage, attention is being redirected towards timber, which is the least energy-intensive construction material, requiring only 24% of the energy needed for steel production.”
Sustainability now represents a sweet spot where consumer demand is meeting environmental interests and global industries are in turn being influenced. As the construction industry faces scrutiny for its polluting qualities as well as its high energy usage, attention is being redirected towards timber, which is the least energy-intensive construction material, requiring only 24% of the energy needed for steel production. Recent climate research further supports timber as the most sustainable construction material, finding that housing rising global populations in homes made from wood rather than conventional materials could avoid over 100 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2100.
At our VonWood, we believe in empowering our customers to harness the full potential of sustainable forestry practices. We are committed to supporting your business in every way possible, knowing that you seek more than just a product; you want to be assured that you are making a positive impact on the environment.
Our platform offers a comprehensive solution that not only helps you achieve your sustainability goals but also drives growth and productivity across all aspects of your organization. With our innovative tools and expert guidance, you can achieve long-term success while having a positive impact on the environment.
Don't fall behind in the ever-evolving timber industry. Stay ahead of the game with our comprehensive document on the 7 Trends Shaping the Timber Trade Today. Download it now to gain valuable insights into how these trends can impact your business.
For more information, please feel free to contact us at info@vonwood.com
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