New timber roadmap launched to boost UK construction and reduce emissions
Christian Fernsby ▼ | December 13, 2023
A new ambitious roadmap to increase use of timber in the construction of homes and buildings has been set out by the UK government in a move designed to reduce emissions and reach net zero.Article continues below
Using timber in construction is one of the best ways to reduce emissions from buildings.
Around 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are from the built environment, and larger buildings can store up to 400% more carbon when built out of engineered timber products rather than concrete.
The Timber in Construction Roadmap sets out the vision to increase the use of timber in construction, whilst also presenting valuable opportunities for economic growth, rural jobs and levelling up
Currently only 80% of the timber the UK currently uses is imported.
Increasing domestic capacity will create new green jobs in the forestry and wood processing sectors, which contribute over £2bn to UK economy.
Key actions set out in the plan include:
Improving data on timber and whole life carbon
Promoting timber as a construction material
Boosting skills, capacity and competency across the supply chain
Increasing the supply of sustainable timber products
Addressing fire safety concerns to safely expand the use of engineered mass timber
Building collaboration with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers
Promoting innovation and high performing timber construction systems
Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said: "Investing in timber is investing in growth and levelling up. The built environment is responsible for a huge proportion of UK carbon emissions, and using home grown timber in construction is key to reducing emissions.
"Promoting the use of timber as a building material is a key part of the government’s Net Zero Strategy. It will innovate the economy, play a role in creating green jobs and also help meet our tree-planting targets." ■ What to read next
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