{"id":16994,"date":"2020-10-08T15:29:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-08T04:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edgeenvironment.com\/?p=16994"},"modified":"2021-01-18T15:45:44","modified_gmt":"2021-01-18T04:45:44","slug":"a-call-to-unite-on-carbon-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edgeenvironment.com\/us\/2020\/10\/08\/a-call-to-unite-on-carbon-action\/","title":{"rendered":"A call to unite on carbon action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A briefing note to wood product manufacturers<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of this briefing note is to outline the need for Australian wood product manufacturers to take action on climate change. This note is supported by the launch of a bespoke tool and guide to help manufactures measure, monitor and reduce their carbon emissions, available on the NIFPI website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This briefing note outlines two key steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) calculating the carbon footprint of wood product manufacturing and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) setting science-based targets to achieve carbon reductions in line with internationally agreed ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also explores the broader context around climate change and outlines the growing importance of and demand for low-carbon suppliers and products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo credit: Matthew Henry <\/a>from UnSplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

According to the World Green Building Council (2019), buildings account for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions. Approximately 28% of these emissions derive from operational emissions (energy needed for heating, cooling and power) and the remaining 11% from materials and construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past, sustainable building design has focused on reducing carbon emissions from its operations. However, as strategies to reduce operational emissions mature, carbon from processes to manufacture materials will be much more important. Known as embodied carbon, these emissions represent the next frontier in combatting climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, the World Green Building Council\u2019s vision is that by 2030, all new buildings, infrastructure and renovations will have at least 40% less embodied carbon with significant upfront carbon reduction, and all new buildings must be net zero operational carbon. By 2050, new buildings, infrastructure and renovations will have net zero embodied carbon, and all buildings, including existing buildings, must be net zero operational carbon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The converging agenda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the global agenda progresses, Australian industry is making strides to decarbonize the manufacturing sector, our cities and our communities.  Each of these moving parts plays an important role in building the market for low-carbon materials and solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Star<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Green Star<\/a> is the leading sustainability rating tool in Australia and has driven demand for sustainable construction products for over 10 years. Since 2003, 2,500 properties, fit outs and communities have achieved a Green Star rating. Green Star has also influenced many government policies and guidelines. There are a number of existing and emerging aspects of Green Star that are relevant to wood product manufacturers including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n