Mass timber, such as cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT), is emerging as a preferred choice in sustainable construction across Australia and New Zealand. At XLAM, our commitment to the environment drives us to not only produce these sophisticated building materials but to ensure they’re sourced and manufactured responsibly.
Certified, traceable, and renewable timber stock
At the core of XLAM’s approach to sustainability is the assurance that all our CLT and GLT feedstock originates from our sister company, Hyne Timber, who are known for their rigorous commitment to sustainable forestry practices. Hyne Timber exclusively sources logs from Australian plantations certified under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). This certification guarantees that each log is not only responsibly sourced but also supports a full Chain of Custody traceability, meaning the timber can be tracked from plantation to product.
Through PEFC certification, Hyne Timber contributes to a cycle of renewal, where every harvested tree is replaced with another. This cyclical process doesn’t just maintain forest resources—it actively enhances carbon capture. As each new tree grows, it draws carbon from the atmosphere, storing it in its wood fibres long-term. This means that when these trees become CLT and GLT products, the carbon remains sequestered within the materials, offsetting greenhouse gases and reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects.
What is PEFC?
PEFC is a global certification system that ensures timber products are sourced from sustainably managed forests. The PEFC Chain of Custody certification provides a transparent traceability system, confirming that the timber in each product is sustainably sourced from certified forests. For Australia, PEFC’s National Governing Body is Responsible Wood, which administers standards for both sustainable forest management (AS4708) and Chain of Custody certification (AS4707). This local oversight through Responsible Wood adds another layer of assurance, ensuring forests are not only replenished but also managed in a way that protects biodiversity and the quality of surrounding ecosystems.
Carbon sequestration in CLT and GLT
One of the most unique features of mass timber is its capacity for carbon sequestration. Trees naturally capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, mitigating climate change. When timber from sustainably managed forests is converted into CLT and GLT, that captured carbon remains “locked” in the timber for as long as the structure stands, effectively acting as a carbon bank. This means that every mass timber building constructed using XLAM’s CLT or GLT not only saves emissions compared to traditional materials, like steel or concrete, but actively stores carbon, contributing to a net-positive environmental impact.
Minimising waste: Efficient production and on-site benefits
Beyond sourcing, the production of CLT and GLT is engineered for sustainability. Both products are manufactured using standardised panel sizes, designed to be customised and cut to specification before leaving the facility. This precision minimises wastage both during production and on-site. At the construction stage, CLT and GLT can be installed with significantly fewer adjustments, reducing waste even further and cutting down on the time, labour, and machinery typically needed. This efficient installation not only reduces the environmental footprint of the building process but also leads to safer, more streamlined project timelines.
Building a greener future with XLAM
As more developers, architects, and engineers look for ways to build sustainably, CLT and GLT are emerging as optimal choices that deliver both performance and environmental responsibility. Mass timber not only offers structural strength and design versatility but aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable building practices, from carbon sequestration to resource efficiency and waste reduction. Through partnerships with responsibly managed forests and adherence to the highest standards of certification, XLAM is committed to making sustainable construction a reality.
By choosing CLT and GLT from XLAM, builders and developers are supporting a greener future for construction—one that respects natural resources, safeguards biodiversity, and builds responsibly for generations to come.