Media Release: Bowens Launches Industry-First Carbon Calculator

Introducing Bowens Carbon Calculator

In an industry first, Bowens Timber & Hardware has launched a carbon calculator that gives builders clear, measurable insights into the environmental benefits of timber.

On Thursday, 15 January, the fourth-generation, family-owned business introduced the tool across all timber eCommerce product pages. The carbon calculator was developed to help builders lead sustainability conversations with more confidence, while also supporting increasing expectations around environmental reporting and material usage.

Bowens’ Director, Andy Bowen, said:

“The Bowens’ carbon calculator empowers builders by giving them instant, credible carbon data at point of purchase. This will help them make informed material choices, meet growing sustainability expectations and confidently explain the environmental impact of their builds to clients.”

Builders are facing growing pressure around sustainability and carbon reporting, often without clear, practical tools. Located on the timber product pages, the calculator is designed to relieve some of that pressure, reinforcing the benefits of using timber.

Kersten Gentle from Carbon Warrior said:

‘The biggest financial investment the average Aussie makes is their house. If they choose certified timber to build with, they can guarantee it’s also the biggest environmental investment they’ll ever make in their lifetime.’

When timber is used to construct homes, the carbon absorbed by the tree during its growth remains locked away for the life of the structure. This process effectively turns homes into long-term carbon stores, rather than contributors to ongoing carbon emissions.

The carbon calculator translates this science into clear, usable measurements. Based on the weight of each timber product and established carbon science, the calculator determines both carbon stored and carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. For every kilogram of timber used, approximately 0.42 kilograms of carbon remains locked away for life, equating to roughly 1.54 kilograms of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere.

Tools such as the Bowens’ carbon calculator play an important role in shifting how sustainability is understood across the industry, making complex information clear and accessible. By embedding the tool into product pages, builders can understand environmental impacts quickly and communicate this to their clients. It also supports future energy and environmental reporting requirements, so builders can meet commitments without adding time or complexity to the building process.

“Sustainability in construction is moving fast, and with the increasing need to report on carbon emissions, builders will be expected to justify their product selection,” Andy said.

Bowens supports builders and trades with practical innovations, combining tools like the carbon calculator with same-day delivery, Uber hardware delivery and 24/7 online access to over 50,000 products.