Forestry and timber certification body PEFC has released The Timber Truth, a new publication that provides fact-based insights into some of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding timber construction.
Written by Dr Pablo van der Lugt, a civil engineer, researcher, and international advocate of biobased building — the book offers a concise, technically grounded overview of topics central to today’s timber debate: fire safety, structural performance, material availability, CO storage, sustainable forest management, and circular use of wood.
The publication is structured around four key themes relevant to the built-environment sector:
•Construction quality & performance
•Environment & climate impacts
•Forest management & resource availability
•Economy & market developments
The Timber Truth aims to equip architects, engineers, developers, and policymakers with accurate information for decision-making in low-carbon and circular construction. The foreword is authored by UK architect Andrew Waugh, a pioneer in large-scale timber architecture.
“The entire chain is important for sustainable forest management, and the high-quality use of wood is a prerequisite,” said Professor Gert-Jan Nabuurs (WUR, EFI, IPCC).
“That’s why this book is important.”
Professor Alex de Rijke (TU Delft / dRMM) praised the book, saying Pablo van der Lugts’s advocacy is not rhetorical but based on research and example. “Here, he dispels doubts and corrects misinformation on timber construction, while still managing to inspire.”
The publication draws on insights from thousands of participants in PEFC’s Tomorrows Timber Talks, organised from Brazil to Singapore and throughout Europe from Spain to the United Kingdom to address knowledge gaps in timber construction and update them on the latest developments in wood and wood products.
