BUILDING WITH SUSTAINABLE TIMBER SHOULD BECOME ‘NEW NORMAL’

Norman Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer of sustainable wood firm Kebony spoke out recently in support of European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen’s landmark call for Europe to “address the global challenge of deforestation by giving people a sustainable alternative,”[1] and help save up to 40% of global carbon emissions by building with timber instead of concrete.

Norman Willemsen, stated: “The international community is now recognising the absolute need to build with sustainable and sustainably sourced materials. We must halt our dependence on heavy pollutants and materials which are directly triggering mass deforestation of our vital rainforests and follow the pathway set out by the European Commission, and globally, to ensure sustainable wood is accepted as the new industry norm. We greatly welcome the urgency and clarity of Ursula Von der Leyen’s words.”

The statement comes just weeks after five more common hardwoods, including Ipe and Cumaru, were formally listed in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix II – meaning they will now be better protected and safeguarded against deforestation, with closer controls over trading enforced, in a landmark effort to fight dangerous deforestation.

www.kebony.com