We aim to create a more sustainable construction industry.

Path to Net Zero

In 2015, CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel combustion in the U.S. building sector generated 565.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent to about 8.6 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making buildings the fourth highest emitting sector (after electric power, transportation, and industry). In 2017 a UN Global Status Report noted that buildings are responsible for 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide. In 2019 the EU estimated that the built environment accounts for approximately 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions, launching a massive-scale supports projects in the building sector to lower emissions, become climate-resilient and deliver the EU’s climate and energy policies. Is there a way we can reverse the ongoing trend and create a more sustainable construction industry? While entrepreneurs and business leaders tackle renewable energy production and storage, what can we do about energy use? As part of the 10th annual World Green Building Week, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has issued a bold new vision for how buildings and infrastructure around the world can reach 40% less embodied carbon emissions by 2030, and achieve 100% net zero emissions buildings by 2050.

How we do it?

Operational energy is accrued through the life of the building. This is all the energy used to keep the structure illuminated serviced with modern appliances and hot water, and heated or cooled to a comfortable temperature. The greatest impact we can have on operational energy is through ensuring the construction of high-performance buildings that are suited to their environment.

Embodied energy is consumed by all the processes associated with the production of a building. Architecture 2030 estimates that between now and 2050, half of total global carbon emissions of new construction will be attributed to embodied carbon, and half to operational carbon. The greatest impact we can have on embodied energy is through ensuring the construction materials are sourced from sustainable and renewable processes and made by sustainable Manufacturers.

Is timber the new steel?

Australia is built on concrete and steel. From decades the construction culture has favored those materials which require massive quantities of energy and resources to produce. In the last years, thanks to an innovative and forward-thinking approach of industry professionals, mass timber or the way we call it, engineered timber, has emerged as the only material that is both renewable and can meet the demands that modern society has of its structures. Several buildings are now built with structural engineered timber applied where it is smart to use it: long-spanning elements, portal frames, bracing panels, slabs, roof systems and even façade panels. With up to 1 tonne of carbon per cubic metre of material sequestered, timber provides a true boost to the green performances of any building.

Structurally, engineered timber is very strong, robust, and light. Buildings of engineered timber have 30% less dead load than comparable concrete structures, requiring lighter foundations and opening up the possibility for retrofits expanding existing structures. Using prefabricated elements made of engineered timber, construction sites are quieter and more easily managed, improving safety. There are no wet or hot trades pouring concrete or welding frames. Architecturally, the material has a high aesthetic quality which can be expressed to leverage the biophilic response, saying the natural tendency for stress levels in occupants to reduce in the presence of nature.

Meaning of prefabrication

Nowadays the market knows that the strongest economic case for building with mass timber is its disposition in favor of prefabrication and offsite manufacturing. But what is prefabrication, what it is for us and why is it a sustainable approach?

Representing a world-wide known timber buildings builder like Rubner and having had several years of experience in Australia designing, engineering and supplying engineered timber elements, we understood that a shift in the way of thinking timber is crucial. Australian Builders were used to carpenters providing both the semi-finished timber and the tools to process them directly to site. Current engineered timber solutions we promote are at the antipodes. Bespoke detailing both for timber and steel, meaning connection options, hardware, customized components made for purpose in each job, millimetre-precision CNC elements, pre-drilled, factory assembled with steel and or other timber parts: this is prefabrication for us!

Representing a world-wide known timber buildings builder like Rubner and having had several years of experience in Australia designing, engineering and supplying engineered timber elements, we understood that a shift in the way of thinking timber is crucial. Australian Builders were used to carpenters providing both the semi-finished timber and the tools to process them directly to site. Current engineered timber solutions we promote are at the antipodes. Bespoke detailing both for timber and steel, meaning connection options, hardware, customized components made for purpose in each job, millimetre-precision CNC elements, pre-drilled, factory assembled with steel and or other timber parts: this is prefabrication for us!