Timber frame suppliers are set to play a key role in the future of UK construction, as the government pledges to increase the use of timber in the built environment. Buildings with a high timber component have much lower embodied carbon than those constructed with steel or concrete, helping towards achieving ambitious net zero emissions targets.
Here’s a look at the advantages of timber as a sustainable construction material, and how the UK intends to meet the expected increase in demand for domestic timber.
Why timber is set to soar in demand as a construction material
The construction sector is responsible for 37 percent of the global carbon emissions. As the effects of climate change and global heating become more pronounced and pose a threat to people and the economy, efforts to reduce carbon emissions are mounting.
Furthermore, the demand for timber is driving more tree planting initiatives. Sustainably managed forests are able to sequester carbon dioxide, and also help to combat loss of biodiversity, which is an additional driver of global warming.
Responsible forestry practices involve planting new trees to replace felled ones, so the need for an ongoing supply of timber is met without contributing to deforestation. This process is known as carbon offsetting. The forest ecosystem and biodiversity is also protected in sustainably managed forests, helping to maintain a carbon neutral timber economy.
Furthermore, timber-frame components are largely manufactured offsite, reducing the need for lengthy construction timelines, the transport of heavy machinery and equipment to the site, and on-site emissions.
Timber buildings are generally more energy efficient, due to good insulation performance which reduces the need for energy use to heat or cool the buildings. Lastly, end of life timber structures can more readily be repurposed or recycled than steel or concrete structures.
How will the UK meet increased demand for timber?
The UK currently imports about 80 per cent of its timber needs, making it the third largest net importer of timber in the world. As the government explores ways to increase the supply of domestic timber, it has pledged to set statutory woodland cover targets and to implement more effective woodland management strategies.
It has also pledged to commence improved tree breeding programmes and identify and act on any blockages to the production and use of homegrown timber.
Welsh government introduces new Forestry and Timber Skills fund
The Welsh government has announced at the beginning of November that it will be investing £280,000 in a new Forestry and Timber Skills fund in an effort to address skills and labour shortages in the forestry sector. The initiative will help to subsidise places on accredited forestry and timber supply chain courses.
This will boost the supply of properly trained forestry workers, helping the government to meet woodland creation targets and fulfil the demand for timber as a construction material, particularly in the social housing sector.
Tomos Williams, a climbing arborist of Lampeter Tree Services, has already benefitted from the government funded training scheme.
He explains: “Without the funding I wouldn’t have been able to gain so many skills in such a short time, nor would we have been able to train so many of our staff. We’ve been able to make sure everyone is up-to-speed. More qualified staff means we can take on more complex contracts and we’re more efficient in all the jobs we take on.”
“I love working outdoors. In my day-to-day work I’m in places people usually only visit on the weekend – big estates, national parks. I’ve had the opportunity to work on ancient trees. It’s a special job.”
The Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant, said:“Foresters, arborists and those who process and work with timber are the original green jobs. But we need more of them. We are expecting demand for timber globally to quadruple by 2050. It’s vital that we expand our skilled forestry sector both to meet that demand and to achieve net zero targets.”
“The fund will also support skills development to increase use of timber in construction which, in contrast to forestry, is a relatively new sector where formal skills and training have not been previously available.”
Hopefully, the example of the Welsh government will be followed in other areas of the country, helping the UK to boost domestic timber supply and embrace more sustainable construction practices.