COP THIS from COP28!

This piece was written by FTMA’s Kat Welsh.

If you follow Carbon Warrior on any of the socials you might’ve seen the post in December about the most recent COP meeting of global delegates in Dubai.

For anyone needing a 101 about COP, it stands for Conference Of the Parties. Its purpose is to convene annually, with members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It’s under the umbrella of the United Nations. The UNFCCC was formed back in 1994. Even then, when scientific evidence wasn’t as substantial as it is now, there was enough proof climate damage was happening due to greenhouse gas emissions, and that we needed to start doing something to address issues worldwide.

This year, as part of COP28, 17 countries signed an agreement that is a pretty exciting step for the certified wood industry, and for Carbon Warrior. And better still, Australia is one of the 17 countries that has signed up to this global environmental agreement.

The following statement read out at COP28 by Roselinda Tula, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, fills us with hope

Recognising that wood from sustainably managed forests provides climate solutions within the construction sector, we commit to by 2030, advancing policies and approaches that support a low carbon construction and increase the use of wood from sustainably managed forests in the built environment. Such policies and approaches will result in reduced GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions, and an increase in stored carbon.  (From the Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership pledge.)

It acknowledges that certified wood is the future of construction, for the planet.

Let’s say it again!!  Certified wood is the key to tackling the carbon crisis. And it’s being acknowledged by global leaders. Any frame and truss fabricators out there feeling uncertain about calling themselves a Carbon Warrior, this is your security!

The news of this agreement is a fantastic step forward, and an extremely important validation that sustainably managed forests and certified wood, are the solution. There is no back-up planet, or plan b. It represents an achievement for all the people who have been tirelessly campaigning to get the solution recognised and implemented by our world leaders.

One such organisation is the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition (ISFC). CEO Ross Hampton was present at COP28. ‘We’re very excited to see it finally see the light of day,’ Ross said in a video whilst at the conference, ‘… most gratifying for me personally is to see that the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership actually references our group, our new ISFC, as a reference point.’ Congratulations to Ross, and all the members of the coalition – a collaboration of international forestry bodies and companies dedicated to bringing meaningful change for the planet. Don’t miss FTMA’s coming episode of F&T Time that will feature an interview with Ross.

What does this mean for Australia though and their obligations? Given that, to date, Australia has not committed to legislated construction targets on new builds including bio-based materials. Unlike some other countries. France for example, has legislated that all public buildings – showcased by constructions for the Paris Olympics 2024 – will be 50% bio-based.  They also brought in a law RE2020 on January 1st 2022, which increases in its regulations in 2025, 2028, and 2031, legislating carbon calculating and increasing demand for low-carbon public spaces, government funded or otherwise. RE2020 requires developers to take responsibility for all carbon aspect of builds; energy carbon impact during the lifespan of the building; comfort / the indoor temperatures of the building; carbon calculation of materials, and from the construction process.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) announced, shortly after Australia committed to the COP28 agreement, that they were making an investment of $75 million to the Australan New Zealand Landscapes and Forestry Fund. The CEFC is a specialist corporation, who have access to $30.5 billion of Australian Government investment capitol. They are Australia’s ‘green bank’, solely focused on achieving net zero in Australia by 2050.

The $75 million fund has been set up to support the development of new plantations, and the conversion of existing hardwood plantations to softwood. New Forests will be managing the fund. David Shelton, Managing Director of New Forests’ Australia and New Zealand branch said ‘We believe there is no credible pathway to net zero without investment in the forestry and land use sectors, and we are pleased both new and existing investors are taking an important step in continuing the transition to a sustainable future.’

This is another sizeable move in the journey, and the reason why Carbon Warrior exists.

The timber industry has been facing challenges for a long time – skills shortages, lack of governmental support, decline in educational commitments. The COP28 agreement, and financial investment, sets a pledge to support the sector that can pull Australia into its climate responsible obligation. It’s taking the industry out of the hands of government rhetoric, and hopefully turning it into solid action. Because action is what we need.

According to the Climate Change Performance Index 2024 Australia is ranking in the low zone when it comes to its over-all climate performance. Although its position in the international ranking of countries has improved this year, it’s at 50th place. The CCPI, considering advise of climate experts states that Australia, whilst having a plan to achieve net zero by 2050, has no firm targets or policies to achieve this. CCPI also had this to say regarding Australia’s fossil fuel industry:

The country [Australia] is one of nine countries collectively responsible for 90% of global coal production and it plans to increase coal and gas production by over 5% by 2030. The increase is not compatible with the global 1.5°C target. There is no fossil fuel phase-out in sight, nor is there a concrete plan to limit fossil fuel extraction.

In terms of extracting carbon from the atmosphere, Australia needs to lock in legislations to lock away carbon, and support its COP28 agreement. Carbon Warrior has been calling on the Australian Government to adopt a 4 steps policy towards a greener future;

1. Implement mandatory life cycle carbon calculation and reporting
2. Set embodied carbon targets for new building projects
3. Invest in renewable materials
4. Set requirements for bio-based materials – e.g. 50% of all new builds must be from certified timber and bio-based materials.

This will bring us in line with other countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and France, who are leading the way. Australia has the capability to be a frontrunner, with the right policies in place.

There is no other solution, material, or substance, that will provide for the construction and built environment for an increasing human population, AND, actively combat the climate crisis through carbon removal and storage.

We are all part of the change. No more denying it. Let’s create a greener future.

For FTMA members needing resources to feel confident in pushing the environmental benefits of choosing wood, please click here to be a Carbon Warrior Program Partner.

Follow Carbon Warrior on socials for updates and key information in the ongoing expedition to get timber / bio-based materials as the legislated main menu product here in Australia.