The government has published a new roadmap for increasing the use of timber in construction
Timber is touted as a low-carbon and renewable source that can drastically decarbonise the construction industry, which the timber in construction roadmap aims to facilitate.
Increasing usage of timber in construction could create jobs and contribute to the 1.5m homes target, as well as make the industry more efficient.
More trees will be needed as well
Part of the roadmap includes increasing tree-planting work to both create more timber and increase tree canopy and woodland cover in the UK.
Currently tree canopy covers 10% of the UK, and the government is targeting a 16.5% coverage by 2050.
More jobs and innovation is also a goal to increase the efficiency of the timber used, and the roadmap will work alongside the National Wood Strategy.
The UK’s built environment accounts for 25% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Increasing the use of timber can help towards the net zero target of 2050 as well as contribute to the UK’s economy. The roadmap aims for a sustainable, integrated industry for the future that utilises hybrid designs and the most effective materials.
The Structural Timber Association supports the timber in construction roadmap
Structural Timber Association, CEO Andrew Carpenter, said: “The Government has a target of building 1.5 million homes while reducing emissions from building. Factory-based, modern methods of construction such as timber frame will be vital to helping meet this target.
“Already we are seeing major housebuilders make investments in their own production capacity, this roadmap will encourage more timber-frame investment to develop the sector further.
“This is a win-win for Government and industry.”
Timber Development UK CEO, David Hopkins, said: “The Government’s commitment to the Timber in Construction Roadmap is a real boost to the low-carbon construction sector. We have a great opportunity to increase our housing stock while growing our forests and reducing our emissions output.
“As a bio-based industrial supply chain, the timber sector can play a unique role in the low-carbon economy – sequestering emissions in the forest and storing them in our buildings.
“With a rough value of £10 billion to the UK, this growth in timber construction can also play a vital role in the Government’s wider growth agenda.”
Stuart Goodall, chief executive of Confor, said: “Confor welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to work with partners, including the timber industry to deliver the important ambitions of the Timber in Construction Roadmap.
“In light of domestic timber security, we particularly welcome the Roadmap’s focus on increasing productive forestry and on promoting the use of homegrown wood-based construction products. Both of these actions will make an important contribution to achieving the UK’s net zero target and economic growth.”
