A new report has highlighted the vital role timber industries can play in helping the government meet its targets for housebuilding
A report launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries, reveals the importance timber industries could have on the UK’s housebuilding targets, whilst also helping the country achieve its net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The report titled ‘How the timber industries can help solve the housing crisis’, argues that using timber in construction is key to meeting emissions targets, and urges Government to implement the recommendations of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) by increasing the use of timber in construction.
A long-term spending pledge, reformation of the right-to-buy scheme and building regulations that encourage innovation in construction are amongst the recommendations to the government.
Timber frames are built using offsite construction methods, and are quicker, cheaper, quieter and more environmentally friendly than traditional construction methods.
In order to meet the skills requirement needed to build more homes, the APPG report suggests that Government place an increased focus on construction apprentices and invest in developing construction courses.
Martin Whitfield MP, chair of the APPG for the Timber Industries, commented: “This report addresses an important dilemma governments have: increase housebuilding whilst reducing carbon emissions. The timber industry will provide skilled jobs, it can deliver sustainable and affordable homes and it should be at the forefront of addressing the climate emergency we face.
“Housebuilding should be part of an environmental revolution that is firmly integrated into our net-zero emissions targets. Using timber will lock carbon within homes for generations and is considerably more environmentally friendly than other core building materials such as concrete.”
Roy Wakeman OBE, chair of the Confederation of Timber Industries, added: “We know there is capacity in the industry which can be unlocked with the right policies, regulatory framework, and partnership between the public and private sectors.
“By bringing together experts from across the timber supply chain – all the way from the forest to the finished house – we will be able to make an even greater contribution.”
