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IN a concerted effort to embrace sustainable practices and advance environmental, social and governance (ESG) development principles, Malaysia is strategically looking towards the transformative potential of engineering wood within its construction sector.
This innovative approach is poised to revolutionise Malaysia’s construction industry, offering a sustainable pathway toward economic growth while prioritising environmental conservation and social well-being.Engineering wood, often called composite or manufactured wood, encompasses a diverse array of materials fabricated through innovative bonding techniques.
These include cross-laminated timber (CLT), oriented strand board (OSB), laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and particleboard. These engineered wood products are designed to possess enhanced structural properties, including superior strength, durability, and dimensional stability, making them attractive alternatives to traditional timber and concrete in various construction projects, as mentioned in 2020 by Liew in “Sustainable building materials: A comprehensive review of engineered wood products”.
In a country like Malaysia, where the forestry industry plays a significant economic role, engineering wood presents a promising opportunity. It allows for reduced reliance on natural timber resources, thereby contributing to the conservation of forests and the preservation of biodiversity.
Additionally, the use of engineered wood aligns with the country’s ambitions to mitigate deforestation and address climate change concerns, as explained by Kua and Sulaiman in 2017 in “The Potential of Engineered Wood Products in the Malaysian Construction Industry: Opportunities and Challenges.”The adoption of engineering wood in Malaysia holds substantial promise in fostering ESG principles, primarily in the environmental domain.
Numerous studies and research, including reports by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) in 2020 on Sustainable Forest Management in Malaysia and academic institutions, underline the reduced environmental impact of engineered wood compared to traditional construction materials. The manufacturing process of engineered wood products involves lower energy consumption.
It emits fewer greenhouse gases, resulting in a significantly reduced carbon footprint throughout the lifespan of buildings, as mentioned by the World Green Building Council in 2019 in “Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront: Coordinated Action for the Building and Construction Sector to Tackle Embodied Carbon.”
Furthermore, the carbon sequestration potential of engineered wood presents a considerable opportunity for Malaysia’s commitment to climate change mitigation, as mentioned by the Department of Environment Malaysia in 2021 on Malaysia’s Climate Change Policy and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These materials serve as a carbon sink, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with Malaysia’s international commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Integrating engineering wood in Malaysia’s construction industry also holds substantial economic and social implications. With the broader adoption of engineered wood, the country’s manufacturing sector and related timber industries could experience a surge, fostering job creation and innovation within the sector.
From a societal perspective, using engineered wood in construction could significantly expedite building processes, leading to faster and more efficient construction practices. These materials’ lightweight and easily manageable nature can reduce labor costs and provide cost-effective housing solutions for the population, contributing to the country’s social development.Despite the numerous advantages, several challenges must be addressed for the widespread adoption of engineered wood in Malaysia. These encompass industry-wide acceptance, standardisation, cost competitiveness, and the need for increased awareness among stakeholders.
Addressing these challenges demands a collaborative effort between government entities, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. Policies supporting incentives for the use of engineered wood, the establishment of industry standards, and extensive public awareness campaigns are essential. Moreover, investments in research and development for innovative wood technologies will further enhance the performance and applications of engineered wood in diverse construction projects.
In conclusion, incorporating engineering wood into Malaysia’s construction sector is a promising step towards sustainable development. Its environmental, economic, and social benefits align harmoniously with the country’s ESG goals. Through collaborative efforts, innovation, and strategic interventions, the extensive adoption of engineered wood can pave the way for Malaysia’s more sustainable and resilient built environment.
Ts Dr Haji Muhammad Khusairy is a postdoctoral research associate at Composite Materials and Engineering Center, Washington State University (WSU), a faculty-staff member at the Center of Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2) for North Dakota State University, and a lead research and development sector of the Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT) Sarawak, listed and indexed in the ‘Science and Research’ category on the fifth edition of Successful People in Malaysia by Britishpedia as a successful young researcher in Malaysia, published by British Publishing House Ltd, working on composite materials from the forest and industry products.
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