Report emphasises the importance of research of engineered timber in the built environment

News Item


In 2020 the ARC Future Timber Hub (FTH) commissioned the Australian Institute for Business and Economics (AIBE), to undertake an analysis of the potential economic, environmental and social impacts of four of our current marquee ARC FTH research projects. AIBE engaged Tulipwood Economics to assist with the preparation of the report. See: ARC Future Timber Hub Cost Benefit Analysis Report

The conclusion of this report emphasises the need for, and opportunities in, continuing engineered timber focused, industry relevant research projects that specifically target resolution of performance gaps and development of commercially viable, safe and sustainable timber-based solutions.

If you are interested in being a partner of the CFTS / Future Timber Hub please contact Manager, Kelly Rischmiller, timber@civil.uq.edu.au, who will email you the 2020 Centre for Future Timber Structures, aka Future Timber Hub, Strategic Intent & Governance Framework. This document provides a basis for future strategic planning from 2021 to 2026 and guides the development and prioritisation of future research and development projects of the CFTS / Future Timber Hub.


About the CFTS / Future Timber Hub

The ARC Industrial Transformation Hub to Transform Future Tall Timber Buildings (ARC Future Timber Hub) was established under the 2015 Centre for Future Timber Structures (CFTS) which was instigated by The University of Queensland's School of Civil Engineering and the Queensland State Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), with founding partners Arup, Hyne Timber and Lendlease. The FTH commenced in 2016 and is concluding in 2021 and includes interdisciplinary partnerships between: The University of Queensland, the Queensland State Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Arup, Hyne Timber, Lendlease, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Scion NZ, Griffith University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Canterbury.

Due to the success of the ARC Future Timber Hub, the CFTS is now more widely known as the Future Timber Hub.
 

Value Proposition

Australia's Construction industry generates over $360 billion in revenue, producing around 9% of Australia's Gross Domestic Product[1], with corresponding economic, social, and environmental benefits arising from any improvement in construction practice. The Centre for Future Timber Structures (CFTS) provides a pathway for the industry to use timber, in particular Engineered Wood Products (EWPs), to:

  • decarbonise our built environment while meeting society’s growing infrastructure demands; 
  • ensure the ongoing competitiveness and sustainability of domestic manufacturing activities, within increasingly globalised supply chains; and 
  • present a new way to build that can bring construction efficiencies to projects far beyond what is achievable with conventional construction methods.

The CFTS / Future Timber Hub is seeking to grow its national and international partnerships in order to continue its research focus for the next 5 years.  The CFTS aim is to leverage all partner funds with industry relevant research project proposals that shall become the topic of applications to secure additional research grant funding. 

Please contact CFTS / ARC Future Timber Hub Manager, Kelly Rischmiller, timber@civil.uq.edu.au for further information

[1] https://nationalindustryinsights.aisc.net.au/industries/construction