As the built environment sector grapples with the pressing demands of sustainability and resilience, the WoodBUILD 2024 conference, hosted by Woodknowledge Wales and sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction, emerged as a crucial forum for industry leaders to exchange ideas and forge new pathways.
Held this year on 2-3 July at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), IQ Campus in Swansea, this annual event not only highlights innovations but also fosters collaboration across various sectors, offering actionable insights for senior management and directors in social housing and the broader built environment sector.
Here’s a detailed exploration of the key takeaways for built environment professionals from this year’s conference and their implications for our industry.
Navigating the Sustainability Frontier
The conference, kicked off with a keynote address from Huw Irranca-Davies MS, The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs (Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newid Hinsawdd) which set a high standard for discussions around sustainability in the built environment. The focus was squarely on how we can advance sustainable practices across the wood value chain, construction processes, and the integration of regenerative principles. With immersive experiences, workshops, and keynote sessions, WoodBUILD 2024 underscored the industry’s urgent need to embrace sustainability in every facet of operation.
Strategic Insights and Actions from Key Sessions
Pushing Boundaries – Communities of Action
One of the most impactful sessions was the plenary “Pushing Boundaries – Communities of Action,” led by Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales.
This session emphasised the importance of turning insights into actionable strategies for the wood value and construction supply chains. Key themes included carbon custodianship and sustainable forestry. Discussions revealed the need for ongoing dialogue to tackle market complexities and innovate solutions. For senior management, this means prioritising collaboration with stakeholders to drive sustainable change and address the multifaceted challenges facing the industry.
Welsh Government’s Timber Industrial Strategy
The Welsh Government presented work to date on its Timber Industrial Strategy (TIS) and used the opportunity to gather further industry feedback. The TIS aims to bolster the domestic timber sector by increasing sustainable forest management and promoting timber use in construction. It emphasises enhancing local supply chains, supporting innovation, and fostering industry collaboration to boost economic growth and environmental benefits. This strategy aligns with WoodBUILD 2024’s focus on sustainable timber solutions and will offer valuable guidance and case studies on how to increase the economic impact of Wales’s forest industries.
Sustainable Forest Management
The workshop on Sustainable Forest Management, hosted by Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales, provided critical insights into timber marketing, biodiversity, and woodland management. The recommendations included transitioning timber sales to marketing, conducting biodiversity censuses, and fostering community woodlands. For directors in social housing and construction, these actions offer a blueprint for integrating sustainable timber sourcing and biodiversity considerations into project planning, ensuring long-term environmental benefits and community engagement.
Regenerative Construction
The session on “From Circular to Regenerative Construction,” led by headline sponsors Morgan Sindall Construction, highlighted the need for holistic design and overcoming traditional roles within the supply chain. Key takeaways included the importance of local policies, sustainable materials, and broad collaboration. This workshop underscores the necessity for management teams to simplify regenerative principles, address policy barriers, and think beyond capital costs to achieve meaningful progress in construction practices.
Engaging Future Generations
Attracting young talent to the forestry and construction sectors was the focus of a dedicated workshop. Strategies included effective social media communication, mentoring, and showcasing diverse career paths. For senior management, this insight emphasises the need to invest in workforce development and implement strategies to make careers in construction and forestry appealing to the younger generation. Engaging with Generation Z and usng influencers can help address skills shortages and drive industry innovation.
Natural Fibre Insulation and Timber 101
Workshops on natural fibre insulation and home-grown timber explored practical benefits and challenges. The natural fibre insulation session highlighted the need for better communication and regulation of embodied carbon. The “Timber 101” session focused on improving wood grading practices and expanding species use. These discussions are pertinent for decision-makers aiming to incorporate advanced materials and innovative practices into their projects, promoting sustainability and efficiency in building practices.
Affordable Housing and Climate Adaptation
The “Delivery of Affordable Homes – Wood Works” workshop explored strategies for affordable housing in Wales, highlighting trust, early engagement, and transparent supply chains. Meanwhile, the session on managing forests in a changing climate addressed risks like pests and drought, advocating for diverse species and adaptive management. For housing directors, these insights highlight the importance of balancing cost, carbon emissions, and operational efficiency, while adapting to climate challenges through resilient and sustainable practices.
Circular Economy and Low Carbon Development
Workshops on the circular economy and low carbon development provided practical examples and case studies, such as the Gwynfaen project’s use of timber to reduce whole-life carbon. These sessions revealed the need for better standards, networks, and policies. Directors should consider these examples to enhance their sustainability strategies, focusing on circular economy principles and low carbon solutions to meet regulatory requirements and achieve project goals.
Building Performance Evaluation
Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) was highlighted at WoodBUILD 2024 as a crucial element for enhancing the effectiveness of sustainable design and construction. This process involves assessing building systems and operational performance to ensure they meet intended sustainability and energy efficiency goals. For directors, incorporating BPE into project management helps identify areas for improvement, optimise resource use, and achieve long-term performance targets.
Advancing Carbon Assessment Tools
Finally, the session on embodied carbon and footprint assessment tools highlighted the importance of integrating these tools into early project planning. As regulations evolve, continued refinement and collaboration are essential. For senior management, leveraging these tools can aid in precise carbon accounting and support efforts to mitigate climate impacts effectively.
Conclusion: Driving Industry Transformation
WoodBUILD 2024 has demonstrated that the path to a sustainable built environment involves collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. For B2B leaders in social housing and the built environment, the conference’s insights and actionable strategies offer a roadmap for integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations. By embracing these recommendations, investing in workforce development, and leveraging advanced materials and technologies, industry leaders can drive significant progress towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
As we move forward, it is crucial for senior management and directors to stay engaged with industry developments, foster partnerships, and lead by example. The future of the built environment depends on our collective efforts to innovate, adapt, and commit to sustainable practices. WoodBUILD 2024 has set a clear agenda for the industry—now it is up to us to turn these insights into action and shape a sustainable future for our communities.
WoodBUILD 2024 presentations can now be downloaded from the event page. For more information on how to become a member of Woodknowledge Wales and join this critical ongoing conversation, please contact Rachel Cook or visit woodknowledge.wales
