This presentation by Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, explores why certified timber is a cornerstone of sustainable, low-carbon construction. Timber products sourced from Responsible Wood / PEFC-certified forests are renewable, responsibly managed, and independently verified to meet rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards.

The session will highlight how sustainably managed forests provide a continuous, renewable supply of timber while protecting biodiversity, supporting regional communities, and ensuring long-term forest productivity. It will also explain the critical role certified timber plays in climate change mitigation, including carbon sequestration during tree growth and long-term carbon storage in wood products. When timber is used in place of more emissions-intensive materials, it can significantly reduce embodied carbon in the built environment.

In addition, the presentation will address the strength and performance properties of modern timber products, including their suitability for structural applications, design flexibility, and innovation in engineered wood systems. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of why certified timber is not only a sustainable choice, but a high-performance material essential to building a resilient, low-carbon future.