Conducted by a Sydney research firm, the latest WoodSolutions tracking survey involved nearly 700 development, design and construction professionals involved in the specification of building materials.
The key findings of the research were positive for wood and wood products.
When asked to rate wood on a range of attributes, respondents increased the positive ratings in most areas, particularly those relating to acoustics, safety and fire.
Looking ahead, almost two thirds of the people questioned thought their use of engineered wood would increase in the next 12 months.
Certification schemes are familiar to many with most people knowing about AFS (now Responsible Wood) and almost half familiar with FSC. Around two thirds of the people reported that they have used or specified certified wood.
Awareness of the changes to the National Construction Code that came into effect in 2016 was high, with a majority of specifiers very supportive of extending the NCC changes to other building classes. Almost two thirds claim the change should ‘absolutely’ be extended to allow greater use of timber construction in schools, hospitals and aged care facilities.
When questioned on the health benefits of wood in living and working spaces, three quarters of the people were aware of the positive impact of wood on wellbeing, largely due to online content, communications from professional associations and magazine articles.
WoodSolutions was a key communications channel, with awareness of the WoodSolutions program having been steadily growing over the last 4 years. In fact, 9 out of 10 specifiers are familiar with WoodSolutions activities and resources.