BY DANIAL FAUZI

However , there is one that spearheads the research in green and sustainable development and building environment whilst simultaneously nurturing innovative spirits and instilling a passion for innovation within his students .

He is Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Fakri Zaky Jaafar a senior lecturer at the Department of Architecture , Faculty of Design and Architecture at the University Putra Malaysia ( UPM ). He graduated from the University of Manchester , UK , with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 1993 and a Bachelor of Architecture in 1996 .

He also worked as a graduate architect with a few architectural firms in Kuala Lumpur and Malacca before moving to UPM as a lecturer . In 2009 , Dr Zaky completed his doctorate in Built Environment at the University College London in the UK , specialising in thermal comfort in homes . He has several PhD and Masters students working under him in his research activities .

Amongst his research activities that focus on sustainable development , he also researched and even utilised Revotropix Paulownia , one of the most productive species of trees and the fastest-growing tree in the world .

Revotropix Paulownia plantation .

Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Fakri Zaky Jaffar

GROWING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Dr Zaky Jafaar had recently worked and researched Revotropix Paulownia and it has already shown tremendous potential for sustainability . Revotropix Paulownia is now cultivated in Malaysia by Gain Green .

One of the tremendous advantages of this timber species is that it is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world .

“ Its great advantage is its rapid growth cycle compared to other trees . Paulownia can regenerate from a cut stump and grow into another mature tree in four to six years . This repetition of this cycle four to six multiplies the effect of forest conservation ,” he said .

Additionally , Paulownia can be planted on soil often unsuitable for other timber species . Therefore , Paulownia can also be grown in plantations that not only optimises land usage and soil quality , but through regular growth cycles in plantations , Paulownia can easily supply locally produced wood that can contribute towards the local economies .

This is a massive step forward in sustainability

as it provides local economies and communities with a steady supply of timber without harvesting from native sources such as forests and lush jungle terrains .

With harvest operations shifting towards plantations , this gives a chance for native forests and jungles to regenerate slowly . As wood is highly valued as a natural resource for many applications , sustainable solutions must inevitably be utilised to preserve native forests and jungles . At the same time , it provides a sustainable supply of timber through managed plantations .

PAULOWNIA AS A SWISS ARMY KNIFE

“ Compared to other types of timber , Paulownia is light yet strong . Although not as strong as other types of wood , it is strong for its weight , and that is what matters ,” said Dr Zaky Jafaar on the applications of Paulownia .

As it stands , Paulownia has industrial applications in constructing light structures and furniture . Using its rapid growth cycle , Paulownia timber can be used to manufacture plywood , veneer and sawn wood , which uses 2-3-year-old Paulownia timber .

These manufactured timber can be then used in the construction of light construction timber and even wooden furniture such as tables and chairs . However , Paulownia is not yet proven to be utilised in building construction , as research in this field is still lacking .

Due to its rapid growth cycle , Paulownia cultivation can be a profitable business . It could also encourage the development of local communities through employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour .

The difference from regular timber found in native sources is that Paulownia ’ s rapid growth cycle can be highly beneficial to agriculture .

Besides the industrial applications , Paulownia also plays a vital role in sustaining the environment . Through managed plantations of Paulownia , it can act as natural green filters that purify the air . As Paulownia absorbs more carbon dioxide than any other tree species , it can control carbon emissions better , reducing global warming .

Paulownia roots can also play a part in preventing soil erosion during floods and even improve infiltration in river areas near plantations . •