ARC Advance Timber Hub partner Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has released a major new decarbonisation study that highlights the critical role the forest and wood products industry can play in delivering a lower‑carbon future for Australia.

The report, Building a Low-Carbon Future for Australia, developed by Wood Beca, provides a clear, evidence‑based assessment of how targeted operational improvements and greater use of timber in the built environment can significantly reduce emissions across the sector.

The study outlines three possible pathways for the industry. Under a baseline scenario, emissions continue to decline gradually under current practices. A “Beyond Net Zero” pathway demonstrates how targeted operational changes—such as increased use of biomass energy—can accelerate emissions reductions. The most ambitious pathway “Building a Low Carbon Future” combines these operational improvements with increased use of timber in construction, maximising carbon storage and substitution benefits.

Under this scenario, the Australian forest and wood products industry could reach net zero emissions as early as 2029 and go beyond net zero soon after—removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits.

The report highlights how industry, government and partners can work together to turn this opportunity into action, positioning the Australian wood industry as a leader in decarbonisation while supporting sustainable growth and innovation across the built environment.