Timber frame suppliers in the UK can expect to see increased demand in the future, as sustainability becomes a key focus for governments and the construction industry. Lumber is a naturally renewable resource, and it is also energy efficient, reduces construction times, and acts as a natural carbon store.
It is no surprise therefore that increasing the use of timber in construction is seen as a priority for decarbonising the built environment and reducing the reliance on finite resources and carbon-intensive materials such as concrete and steel. In late 2023, the previous government launched the Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap (TiCR).
This policy is designed to support a safe transition to the increased use of timber in housebuilding and commercial developments, reduce levels of embodied carbon in the construction sector, and drive greater investment in tree planting schemes and forestry management.
This will boost the domestic supply of timber, and also create hundreds of green jobs. Here’s a more detailed look at the benefits of how timber frames can contribute to a more eco-friendly and sustainable construction sector.
A renewable resource
The most immediate benefit of timber is that it is a renewable resource, unlike steel or concrete. When sourced from responsibly managed forests, a continuous supply of timber can be maintained.
A natural carbon store
Timber is a carbon store all through its lifecycle, from the forest and even when incorporated into a building, This offsets emissions during the construction process.
Energy efficiency during construction and lifespan
Timber frames are typically prefabricated off-site, resulting in a faster construction time and less waste. This reduces the overall environmental footprint of the building.
Timber has natural insulating properties, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling. When combined with other energy efficiency measures and materials, timber frame buildings have a superior thermal performance and lower energy consumption during the lifespan of the building.
Welsh government to launch its own timber strategy
The Welsh government launched a public consultation in late January 2025 ahead of the expected publication of its own timber industrial strategy later this year. Nation Cymru reports that the plans will include strategies to future-proof Welsh forests, create green jobs, support decarbonisation, and develop more sustainable housing.
The public consultation was launched by the deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change, Huw Irranca-Davies. He visited Penrhyndeudraeth, a small community in north west Wales, to make the announcement.
During his visit, he spoke to timber workers at the nearby Hafod Boeth Forest about the aims of the consultation and sought their views, and also looked around Maes Deudraeth, a nearby social housing project using timber frames. The tenants spoke about the benefits of low carbon energy efficient homes.
Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Timber is crucial to achieving a stronger, fairer, greener Wales. The forestry, timber and construction sectors offer varied careers, including high-paid green jobs, while also helping us tackle the climate emergency.
“By working with industry, Wales can make the most of the opportunities that come from making and selling forest products from renewable, sustainable and responsibly managed forests.”
“We want our forests to bring economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits to the people of Wales for many centuries to come. That’s why I would encourage everyone to have their say in this important consultation.”
Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government added: “As well as its positive contribution towards boosting jobs and green growth, timber also contributes directly to the Welsh Government’s commitment to building more high-quality, sustainable and affordable homes. It also helps our ambition to meet Net Zero by 2050.
“Timber offers a low-carbon alternative to high-embodied carbon materials, like concrete. Alongside wood fibre, it also offers opportunities for reduced-carbon methods of construction, panelised solutions and off-site manufacture.”
“Timber-framed homes can also be built quicker, helping to provide more high-quality, durable, healthy and sustainable homes for people in Wales, including social housing. As we see growing demand for low carbon timber-framed social homes, I am incredibly pleased to see the launch of this important consultation.”
As global demand for timber is expected to quadruple by 2050 as countries worldwide seek to meet Net Zero targets and reduce the dependence on finite resources, it is likely that national timber in construction strategies will receive more investment and grow in public awareness.