Burbank Homes Queensland has taken a significant step in deepening its understanding of sustainable construction practices with a comprehensive tour of AKD’s Caboolture sawmill facility.
Organised by FTMA and spearheaded by Sandy Waller, Burbank Homes Regional Sales Manager, the tour was a vital hands-on experience, offering insight into the crucial processes that transform sustainable timber from forest to frame.
The day commenced with an office-based lesson of the Responsible Wood-certified forests throughout Australia, where participants learned about the commitment to sustainable forestry management. AKD and Responsible Wood shared an insightful overview of how certified forests abide by rigorous standards that promote biodiversity, forest regeneration, and long-term environmental sustainability. This demonstrated how timber used in construction can meet the growing demands of the housing industry while remaining a renewable and eco-friendly resource.
During the sawmill portion of the tour, Burbank Homes team members saw firsthand how logs are measured, sorted, and processed into structural timber. AKD’s state-of-the-art facility integrates cutting-edge technology at every stage of production, ensuring timber meets the highest quality and safety standards. This transparent demonstration highlighted how modern sawmill practices minimise waste, optimise resources, and maximise yield – all crucial components in driving sustainable construction forward.
For the Burbank Homes team, the experience was eye-opening and educational, especially in understanding the full lifecycle of timber. From understanding reforestation practices to observing timber products being milled, attendees gained an appreciation for the effort and precision involved in every step of the process. The alignment between AKD, FTMA, Responsible Wood, Fortruss and Burbank Homes exemplifies how key industries work together to prioritise sustainability while delivering superior products to the market.
The tour also fostered meaningful discussions regarding carbon sequestration and the pivotal role timber plays in mitigating climate change. Timber, as a natural carbon sink, traps carbon dioxide throughout its lifecycle, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious builders. With this knowledge in hand, the Burbank Homes sales team is fully equipped to educate their customers about timber’s environmental benefits and its role in a greener future for the building industry.
The Burbank Sales Team understand that the timber frames and trusses in the houses they sell, grows back in 150 seconds. If that’s not a sales pitch, I don’t know what is!
FTMA extends its gratitude to Sandy Waller for orchestrating this insightful and impactful experience. Thanks to her leadership, Burbank Homes’ Sales Team now leads the way as ambassadors of sustainability, proudly embodying the principles of responsible building. By witnessing the entire process from the forest floor to the final product, they are not just builders; they are advocates for a more sustainable world.
This successful venture underscores the importance of collaboration between organisations like AKD, Responsible Wood, and builders such as Burbank Homes. Together, they are paving the way for a stronger, greener future, one sustainable frame at a time.
Kersten Gentle
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