The forest industry – and its place in sustainable living – took a pivotal role at the 10th Making Cities Liveable Conference in Brisbane, Australia, last month.
“Forestry is the oldest and best example of sustainable planning,” said Simon Dorries, CEO of Australian Forestry Standard (AFS).
AFS, the PEFC national member for Australia, held an exhibit at the conference, explaining certification systems, chain of custody programs and forest management practices to delegates.
Mr Dorries said AFS was in discussion with university schools of environmental management and regional development about how lectures might expand the knowledge and value of forest certification among students.
Opening speaker Dr Laurie Buys, professor, school design, and theme leader of Queensland University of Technology’s institute for future environment and sustainable communities, said, “Global demand for energy, water and resources is rising, while finite natural resources are declining. Communities expect that public and private infrastructure – from energy and ICT networks to transport systems and buildings – will be integrated, sustainable and tailored to community needs.
“New ways of designing, building and managing infrastructure are emerging in the transition from the industrial to the digital age.”
She says the grand challenge for the world is creating infrastructure that enriches communities while being sustainable, resilient and responsive to climate change, and developing technology and systems that improve the planning, design and operation of infrastructure.
To this end, clean and sustainable cities will help realise this goal.
“And clean cities need clean wood,” highlighted Mr Dorries.
“Australia has the goods in wood to help achieve this transition – third party certification, chain of custody programs – and legality.”