The UK government has announced plans to increase the use of homegrown timber in the construction industry. 

In the new Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap, Labour highlights how the renewable, low-carbon resource could be vital in meeting homebuilding targets while also driving economic growth and new job opportunities. 

The original TiC was published at the end of 2023. This more in-depth version of the roadmap goes into greater detail about the benefits of switching to timber, and how the plans align with Labour’s promise to build 1.5 million new homes and reach net-zero by 2050. 

Through a UK Tree Planting Taskforce, the government also says it is committed to increasing the tree canopy and woodland cover in England from 14.5% in 2024 to 16.5% by 2050.

Environment Minister Mary Creagh confirmed the plans at the recent Timber in Construction Summit in London. In the roadmap’s foreword, Creagh explains: 

“Our vision for timber in construction is clear: a sustainable, integrated industry that meets the needs of the future. Government, industry, and stakeholders must work together, aligning efforts to decarbonise and build efficiently. Hybrid designs, using the best materials, will support sustainability.

“The steps we take today will create a thriving, green economy. Timber-framed homes, public buildings, and offices will transform the built environment. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to seeing how timber helps shape a sustainable future. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this important work.”

What are the environmental impacts of switching to timber in construction?

The built environment currently accounts for 25% of the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. However, using timber as a construction material can reduce embodied emissions in a single building by 20%.

Carbon storage is approximately 50% higher in timber framed homes than in masonry homes, and can be up to 400% higher for larger buildings that use engineered timber products such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) instead of concrete.

Key actions of the new Timber in Construction roadmap

Below are the key focus areas that the TiC seeks to address: 

  • Encouraging the use of sustainable, low-carbon building materials and ensuring carbon emissions are considered during the design, construction and use of buildings.
  • Fulfilling the Government’s commitment to delivering 1.5m homes this Parliament by using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including the use of timber to boost productivity in housebuilding and deliver high quality, energy-efficient new homes.
  • Creating a circular economy by championing timber’s potential for a clean growth future – supporting the construction sector to use the most sustainable, low-carbon materials and construction techniques.
  • Accelerating economic growth by creating new and diverse green jobs in the productive forestry and timber sectors, as well as stimulating further investment into domestic timber and wood processing supply chains.

Responding to the government’s plans Forestry Commission Chief Executive, Richard Stanford says: 

”To reach net zero, we must increase timber production from homegrown trees and use that timber in our buildings to sequester carbon. The Timber in Construction Roadmap will propel forestry production in England to ensure timber security, reduce our dependence on imports, and address the nature crisis by boosting biodiversity, improving water quality, and providing more green spaces for people.

“The Forestry Commission will continue to collaborate closely with partners from the timber, forestry, and construction sectors in this critical area of work for many years ahead”.