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Responsible Wood champions sustainable forestry at SydneyBuild

Matt de Jongh

At the heart of Australia’s largest construction and design show, the SydneyBuild Expo 2024, Responsible Wood stood as a beacon for sustainable forestry and ethical supply chains. Source: Timberbiz

With more than 25,000 registered visitors, including contractors, architects, and construction professionals, the event provided a platform for industry leaders to showcase innovations and discuss pressing issues facing the sector.

Responsible Wood’s presence was marked by the active involvement of Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh, hosting a networking hub session and delivering a compelling presentation on certified sustainable forestry and responsible supply chains.

Reflecting on the significance of the expo, Mr de Jongh said that SydneyBuild offered a unique opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the construction industry and drive conversations around sustainability.

“It’s crucial for us to highlight the importance of sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests to ensure the long-term health of our ecosystems,” he said.

Throughout the expo, attendees were treated to displays from leading companies in sustainable construction, including XLam and NextGen TimberLink. XLam and NextGen TimberLink, all frontrunners in timber solutions. They showcased their engineered timber products tailored for efficient prefabricated construction, also emphasising the importance of Australian-made engineered wood products and their role in promoting carbon capture and storage.

The synergy between exhibitors and attendees fostered an environment ripe for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Responsible Wood’s networking hub session provided a forum for stakeholders to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for advancing sustainable practices in the industry.

“Events like SydneyBuild facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among industry professionals,” Mr de Jongh said. “By working together, we can drive positive change and build a more sustainable future.”

The expo also featured a diverse range of conference stages, workshops, and entertainment, further enriching the experience for participants. With topics spanning from digital construction to diversity and inclusion, SydneyBuild offered a comprehensive platform for learning and engagement.

SydneyBuild Expo 2024 served as a catalyst for promoting sustainability and innovation within the construction industry. Through Responsible Wood’s active participation and thought leadership, Mr de Jongh reaffirmed the crucial role of certified sustainable forestry in shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment.