Unique competition gets public to guess how much carbon in a timber house frame

Forests NSW will have the public thinking about how much carbon is stored in a timber house frame through a unique competition it is running at the 'Sustainable Living Festival Expo and Tree Day' to be held at Tumut on Saturday 28 July.

Forests NSW forester, Adele Wedding, said the competition involves people guessing how much carbon is stored in a timber house frame, which will be on display at the expo.

"Forests NSW is very proud to be taking part in the expo and we want people to understand that growing trees are wonderful absorbers of carbon, which contributes to reducing climate change," she said.

"Approximately half the weight of a tree is carbon. This carbon continues to be stored in wood products into the future. Our renewable and sustainably managed plantation forests and the wood products from it are not just beautiful, but also contribute to sustainable living.

"About 75 per cent of Forests NSW harvested plantation timber is used in the building industry and much of that timber is used for housing frames. People should be aware that these timber frames are benefiting the environment.

"The production of wood materials requires less energy than other building materials."

Ms Wedding said the winner of the competition would receive a locally crafted red gum wooden bowl and the coffee table book 'In the living forest'.

As well as the guessing competition, Forests NSW will have a children‟s colouring in station promoting messages about the sustainability of wood.

Other giveaways such as bookmarks and pamphlets promoting the forest industry will also be handed out.

Ms Wedding said a number of Forests NSW foresters will be on hand to talk to people about the positive benefits of forestry and wood.

The expo is being held in the Railway Precinct from at 10 am to 1 pm.

More information about the expo is available at www.visittumut.com.au/events/winter-2012.aspx

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Chester (02) 60 36 2110 or 0417 207 669