Published: 20/08/24 By: Mike Bekin
Did you know that the government is backing timber? In the fight against climate change, the UK’s timber roadmap sets out a detailed plan to increase timber-based building and keep environmental policies at the centre of construction.
As sustainable timber enthusiasts ourselves, it goes without saying that the EcoChoice team is enthusiastic (an understatement) about this eco-friendly initiative. So we thought we
would dive a little deeper into the timber roadmap and take a look at exactly what the government has set in motion.
What is the Timber Roadmap?
The timber roadmap outlines the vision to bolster the use of timber in UK construction and other industries, aligning with net-zero targets set by the government. Published in 2023 under the Conservatives, this is an exciting and inspiring plan to step up drastically the UK’s use of a renewable, carbon-sequestering material while also boosting the British timber industry.
What Are the Key Points of the Timber Roadmap
The entire Timber in Construction Roadmap is rather lengthy, so let’s take a look at some of the key points it encapsulates:
- Encouraging the use of timber as a construction material across industries
- Improving available data on timber and its sustainable properties
- Addressing fire safety concerns to improve uptake
- Improving timber skills across industries
- Boosting the supply of timber (including UK-produced timber)
- Promoting innovation within timber construction
The government predicts that their timber plans will bring £2 billion to the UK economy, as well as creating new jobs in the forestry and timber processing sectors. Those are sustainable perks with which it is hard to argue!
Why Focus on Timber?
When comparing building materials side-by-side, responsibly sourced timber is undoubtedly better for the environment. One study found that timber buildings produced 30% fewer CO₂
emissions than concrete, and a whopping 50% less than steel.
This could be a crucial factor as we move towards decarbonising the construction industry, turning our future cities into carbon sinks.
Will the Labour Government Follow the Timber Roadmap?
The timber in construction roadmap is yet to be implemented, but the plans outlined bring hope for a more sustainable construction sector and are crucial if the UK wants to reach its net zero goals. But as it was laid out by the previous government, there is no knowing whether it will be set in motion by the current Labour government.
It would, however, align with their plans to increase housing and reduce CO₂ emissions, and there has been widespread support for its uptake. It was, for example, included in the Green Alliance’s analysis of how Labour could ensure its construction targets to build a more sustainable Britain. The Structural Timber Association also released a statement urging the government to follow the timber roadmap.
How You Can Start Using More Timber in Construction
If you (like us) want a greener future, you do not have to wait for the timber roadmap to be actioned. Instead you can start utilising more responsibly sourced timber in your construction projects today.
At EcoChoice, we make it easy to build sustainably by supplying a wide range of FSC and PEFC-certified timber products, including:
We are vigilant in ensuring that all our timber comes from forests and woodland where conservation, biodiversity and fair wages are paramount. If you are looking to improve the sustainability of your construction and build with a good conscience, we can help.
Get in touch with us to learn more about our timber or start an order today.
Tags: government, timber roadmap
Categories: Insights
