Timber has considerable benefits and environmental attributes which make it a preferred material in the design and construction industry. To gain maximum value for Timber use , it is important that designers , builders and consumers understand their role in good industry practice , business as usual practice and poor practice.
This presentation outlines the important and current issues that designers and specifiers can implement to achieve the ultimate benefits, offered by the selection and use of this remarkable material. Mark will contend that many designers and builders are not achieving the best value outcomes possible and offer some practical recommendations and tips for better results.
Speaker: Mark Thomson - B.Arch. A.D.B.E.T. - CEO at Eco Effective Solutions & Board Member at Responsible Wood
Mark is a multi-awarded Queensland Architect with over 30 years’ experience in the commercial building and design sector. He is the Immediate Past President of the AGDF (Australian Green Development Forum), a Board member of the Griffith University Eco Centre and Micah Projects, a not for profit (NFP) social justice organisation He is a Faculty Member of the GBCA (Green Building Council of Australia), Greenstar Accredited Professional and EarthCheck Accredited Professional.
Over the past 25 years, he has held company directorships in property development, hotel, design, environment and pollution technology organisations. He co-founded the Centre for Sub Tropical Design in 2005, whilst an Adjunct Professor at QUT, and was Corporate Sustainability Principal of the Schiavello Group of Companies, Australia’s largest commercial furniture manufacturer and fitout construction organisation.
In 2018 and 2019, Mark was invited to the World Architecture Festival in Amsterdam to judge the PEFC Prize and since 2014 has been a Judge in the Australian Banksia Sustainability Awards. He regularly speaks at Industry Events, is proficient with sustainability rating tools and an invited contributor to numerous industry magazines.
Mark is a regular mentor and lecturer at QUT and the University of Queensland who passionately advocates ESD (ecologically sustainable development). His consulting business “Eco Effective Solutions” offers design, project management, research and resilience management services, to effectively deliver healthy living and working environments.