In this episode, host Fanni interviews Dr. William Leggate, a leading expert in timber research and innovation, to discuss how the forest industry and wood products are driving decarbonization in the building sector. Bill shares his insights on Australia’s timber resources, the shift from native forests to plantation timber, and the critical role wood plays in reducing carbon emissions. He also highlights exciting projects under the DBI initiative aimed at overcoming technical and systemic barriers to sustainable building practices.
Dr Bill Leggate is the Team Leader of the DAF Forest Product Innovations Team at the Salisbury Research Facility in Brisbane. Bill is a wood products scientist and specialist with 30 years’ experience in research, technical, commercial and management roles within the timber industry, both nationally and internationally. Bill has occupied senior roles in the forest industry both within government and the private sector including a 10-year stint working in the exciting wood products industry of South and Central America.
Key Discussion Points:
- [00:02:20] The Role of Timber in Australia’s Building Industry
- [00:03:50] Types of Timber in Construction
- [00:07:00] Timber’s Role in Decarbonization
- [00:09:00] Joining the DBI Network
- [00:10:30] Challenges in Decarbonizing the Building Industry
- [00:11:50] Opportunities in Decarbonization
- [00:13:00] Current Projects with DBI
- [00:15:50] Final Thoughts on DBI
Find out more about Bill, DPI and DBI through these links:
- Department of Primary Industries website
- DBI website
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