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Government’s Commitment to Timber in Construction Echoes Powys’ Pioneering Approach

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UK government backs timber in construction, aligning with long-standing efforts by local authorities such as Powys County Council

In a significant boost to sustainable construction, the UK Government reinforced its commitment to increasing the use of timber in building projects, aligning with long-standing efforts by local authorities such as Powys County Council. This commitment was heralded by the launch of the Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap in February, which aims to stimulate economic growth, create rural employment, and enhance the sustainability of the UK’s housebuilding sector.

This latest government commitment builds on the industry momentum outlined in our previous article, which highlighted the potential of boosting domestic timber production to support economic resilience and meet the UK’s housing needs sustainably.

A Step Towards Sustainable Construction

The UK Government’s TiC Roadmap outlines key steps to integrate timber into the construction sector more effectively, including:

  • Encouraging Demand: Exploring the use of Government Buying Standards to promote sustainable, low-carbon building materials.
  • Ensuring Safety: Working with industry experts and the Building Safety Regulator to address knowledge gaps in engineered timber construction.
  • Reducing Carbon Footprint: Recognising timber’s role in meeting net-zero targets by replacing high-carbon materials with sustainable alternatives.

Environment Minister Mary Creagh emphasized the government’s commitment, stating, “This Government is getting Britain building. Our Plan for Change will build 1.5 million homes this Parliament. Timber will play a vital role, benefitting both development and nature.”

Powys: A Trailblazer in Local Timber Policy

While the national government now formalises its approach, Powys County Council has been at the forefront of timber-first construction for years. In 2017, it became the first local authority in the UK to adopt a Wood Encouragement Policy, setting a precedent for sustainable construction at a regional level.

The policy promotes the use of timber in council infrastructure, social housing, and private development, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits. Key commitments include:

  • Prioritising wood in new council housing projects, where feasible and cost-effective.
  • Encouraging local sourcing to support the regional timber industry.
  • Championing timber-based innovation through demonstration projects across Powys.
  • Fostering skills development in the timber supply chain to create jobs and knowledge transfer opportunities.

This approach has already demonstrated positive impacts by stimulating the local timber industry, creating employment opportunities, and reducing construction-related carbon emissions.

National policy catches up to local leadership

Gary Newman, CEO of Woodknowledge Wales, welcomed the government’s announcement, stating, “The recognition of timber as a key material in the transition to a low-carbon built environment is long overdue. Powys County Council has been leading the way for years, demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of using locally sourced timber. Now, with the government’s commitment, we have the opportunity to scale these benefits across the UK.” His sentiments echo the long-standing vision of Powys County Council, which has consistently championed timber as a primary building material.

With the government now recognising timber’s role in sustainable development, local initiatives such as Powys’ Wood Encouragement Policy offer valuable lessons on implementation. As the UK moves towards low-carbon construction, learning from regional success stories will be crucial in achieving long-term, scalable change.

The conversation around timber in construction is growing. Stay updated as we continue to track industry developments and share insights from trailblazing initiatives like Powys’ approach.

Mass Timber Insurance Playbook Named Finalist for Fire Resilience Award

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Congratulations to all involved! A well-deserved recognition for advancing fire-safe mass timber construction.

The Mass Timber Insurance Playbook has been named a finalist for the 2025 Fire Resilience Excellence Awards, recognising its major impact in shaping best practices for fire safety in mass timber construction. Winners will be announced on 8 April 2025 at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel, alongside the Safety and Security Series. You can book to attend here.

A Big Win for Mass Timber Construction

First launched in May 2023, the Mass Timber Insurance Playbook has been a game-changer in helping insurers, developers, and builders navigate fire risk in timber buildings. It lays out practical solutions for making mass timber projects safer and more insurable, giving confidence to the whole industry.

Since its release, the Playbook has been downloaded over 7,500 times and recently received major endorsements from The Association of British Insurers (ABI), The Fire Protection Association (FPA), and RISCAuthority. The latest edition was re-released on 4 December 2024 with these key endorsements added, reinforcing its role as the go-to guide for risk management in timber construction.

Why This Matters

Louise Clark, Policy Advisor at ABI, emphasised the Playbook’s importance:

“Understanding and acting on the necessary risk mitigations when building with mass timber is essential, and this playbook sets it out clearly. Thinking about insurance early in the process is crucial so that we can build and live in truly resilient buildings.”

Global Impact and Collaboration

The Playbook was created by leading fire and insurance experts Professor Jim Glockling and Philip Callow, with contributions from ASBP, Gardiner & Theobald, Eurban, Built by Nature, and Woodknowledge Wales. It has even made waves internationally, with a U.S. adaptation released by Woodworks in November 2024.

Looking Ahead

Being recognised as a finalist at the Fire Resilience Excellence Awards is a huge milestone. The Playbook is helping to bridge gaps between insurers and the construction sector, ensuring that mass timber can be a safe, sustainable, and scalable solution for the future.

Want to check it out? You can download the Playbook for free here: ASBP Website.

Governments promote timber for housing—but can supply meet sustainable demand?

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FSC UK sponsors WoodBUILD 2025, championing sustainable timber and responsible forest management

London 2012 Athletes’ Village

Woodknowledge Wales is proud to welcome FSC UK as an official sponsor of WoodBUILD 2025. As the global leader in responsible forest certification, FSC plays a crucial role in ensuring that timber used in construction meets the highest sustainability standards. Their support for WoodBUILD reflects a shared commitment to scaling up the use of sustainable timber in the built environment, driving policy change, and fostering a resilient, low-carbon future for Wales.

With global timber demand predicated to quadruple by 2050, as much as 80% of the UK’s timber sourced from overseas, and land use facing a growing number of conflicting pressures, set against a background of political instability and a changing climate, meeting the UK’s housing emergency whilst tackling decarbonisation and ensuring sustainability will be no mean feat.

The UK’s built environment accounts for 25% of its annual greenhouse gas emissions. Using timber can reduce the carbon impact of construction, reducing embodied emissions in a single building by 20% to 60% and storing approximately 50% more carbon than in masonry homes. Carbon storage in larger buildings that use engineered timber products such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) instead of concrete, can be up to 400% higher.

Last month the UK Government announced ambitious plans to increase the use of timber in construction. The Timber in Construction Roadmap 2025 commits to the delivery of 1.5 million homes and doubles down on targets to increase tree cover. Meanwhile, the Welsh Government is consulting on a new timber strategy, which includes developing more sustainable housing and boosting decarbonisation. The consultation document proclaims timber in construction, “currently the only economically viable Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) action at scale and therefore crucial to decarbonisation/the delivery of carbon budgets”.

National House Building Council statistics show that timber frame was used in around 9% of newly built homes in England, 22% in Wales, 30% in Northern Ireland and 92% in Scotland. With Wales, and most notably England, at the back of the pack, there is certainly room for improvement. Both Governments are seeking to increase domestic timber supply, however, as the Welsh consultation notes, “Given the relatively low level of forest cover in Wales and in view of increasing domestic and global demand, it is unrealistic to aim for self-sufficiency”. Noble ambitions to increase the use of homegrown timber are supported by the launch of the Forestry Commission’s Trees to Timber campaign this week. However, a continued reliance on imports will require due diligence to ensure they are from sustainable sources, both to improve security and ensure full carbon benefits. Domestic timber production and forest expansion must also be managed sustainably, of course, for exactly the same reasons – the construction carbon picture is, to a great extent, only as good as a material’s origin story.

The UK forestry and construction industries have challenges ahead but have also set precedence for innovation. Over a quarter of a century ago the Forestry Commission became the first state forest service in the world to have all of its forests certified to FSC standards for responsible forest management. The first building to receive FSC Project Certification, Westside Apartments,  built by Hollybrook Homes for the housing association Tower Homes, was completed ahead of time and under budget in 2007. Five years later, when London hosted the most sustainable Olympic Games the world had seen, both the Athletes’ Village and the Park itself received FSC Project Certification. FSC UK was the first national office established by the Forest Stewardship Council; 30 years on, thanks in no small part to pioneers such as these, 79% of the population recognise the FSC tick-tree logo.

But previous success is no reason for complacency. Although Brexit means that the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), due to come into effect at the end of this year, does not directly affect UK businesses, commentators have speculated that the UK is likely to see an increase in uncertified timber and forest products being offered into the UK market, increasing the risk of unstainable and even deforestation-linked timber reaching our shores. The UK’s consumption of agricultural commodities is already linked to a sizable and unsustainable deforestation footprint, with imports of forest-risk commodities soya, cocoa, palm oil, beef and leather, paper, rubber and timber accounting for a land footprint of 88% of the size of the UK each year.

As demand for timber increases, the UK must ensure that quantity isn’t prioritised over quality, as this may undermine the very ambitions it seeks to support. The FSC UK team are working with their European colleagues to engage more fully and actively with the construction sector, you can find information on certification and responsible sourcing at https://uk.fsc.org/ and receive updates and other news by subscribing to the Forest Matters newsletter.

Join us at WoodBUILD 2025 to engage with FSC UK and other industry leaders shaping the future of sustainable construction. Explore new opportunities for responsible timber sourcing, innovation in forestry, and cutting-edge solutions for decarbonising the built environment. Stay informed and be part of the conversation—register now to secure your place at the forefront of the timber transformation.

Woodknowledge Wales Launches New Community of Practice for Contractors and Construction Professionals

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Woodknowledge Wales (WKW) has launched a new Community of Practice (CoP) for Construction, aimed at contractors and consultants who want to increase their use of timber in projects across Wales. This latest CoP, introduced in February 2025, will provide a dedicated space for industry professionals to share knowledge, tackle challenges, and drive innovation in timber construction.

Developed in collaboration with the Tai ar y Cyd project team, the Contractor CoP will be particularly relevant for those working in social housing delivery—including contractors who tender for housing projects, package deal providers for social landlords, and professionals involved in Section 106 planning agreements. However, the scope of the group extends beyond housing to include schools, hospitals, and both private and public sector buildings, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to integrate more timber into their construction processes.

The Contractor CoP is designed to:

  • Support contractors and consultants in overcoming barriers to using timber.
  • Foster collaboration between industry professionals, policymakers, and supply chains.
  • Provide insights and guidance on best practices for sustainable timber construction.
  • Improve confidence in adopting low-carbon materials and modern methods of construction (MMC).

This initiative builds on WKW’s growing network of Communities of Practice, which bring together key players in the built environment to exchange expertise and accelerate Wales’ transition to a low carbon, circular economy.

“We recognise that contractors and professional consultants are central to driving the uptake of timber in construction,” says Rachel Cook, Woodknowledge Wales. “This new Community of Practice will provide practical support and guidance, as well as a forum to address challenges and explore opportunities for delivering high-performance, sustainable buildings.”

WKW invites contractors, consultants, housing providers, and other industry stakeholders to join this new CoP and help shape the future of timber construction in Wales.

Visit our Communities of Practice page on the Woodknowledge Wales website for basic information, then contact Rachel Cook.

Boosting domestic timber production to strengthen UK economy and housebuilding

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New roadmap to get Britain building with the use of sustainable and low carbon building materials

On Thursday 27 February at the Timber in Construction (TiC) Summit in London, UK Environment Minister Mary Creagh unveiled the UK Government’s new initiative to increase domestic timber supply, strengthening the economy and supporting sustainable housebuilding. The plan aims to reduce reliance on imports by enhancing homegrown timber production, creating jobs, and driving innovation in the construction sector. Read the original press release published on the gov.uk website on 27 February.

“This Government is getting Britain building,” said UK Environment Minister Mary Creagh. “Our Plan for Change will build 1.5 million homes this [UK] Parliament. Timber will play a vital role benefitting development and nature.”

This initiative will help address supply chain challenges, increase resilience, and reduce carbon emissions associated with imported materials. By aligning with sustainable forestry management, the approach ensures that timber production contributes to climate goals while delivering high-quality housing solutions.

“A greater focus on homegrown timber aligns with Wales’ low-carbon ambitions and our commitment to sustainable, high-performance homes. By expanding our forestry and timber processing capabilities, we can build more energy-efficient homes while driving long-term environmental and economic benefits,” said Gary Newman, Woodknowledge Wales

New policy paper: Timber in Construction Roadmap 2025

The UK faces pressing challenges—climate change, a housing crisis, and the need for economic growth. Timber presents a key solution as a renewable, low-carbon resource that can help reduce emissions, create jobs, and support housebuilding.

The UK Government has set a statutory target to increase England’s tree canopy and woodland cover from 10% in 2024 to 16.5% by 2050, but planting more trees is just one part of the solution. Sustainable forest management and increased demand for homegrown timber will drive investment in domestic supply chains, supporting green jobs and innovation.

The roadmap highlights timber’s crucial role in delivering 1.5 million homes this UK Parliament, incorporating modern methods of construction to provide high-quality, affordable housing while reducing embodied carbon in the built environment. With buildings responsible for 25% of the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, using more timber in construction will contribute significantly to net-zero goals.

The Roadmap primarily focuses on increasing tree canopy and woodland cover in England. While the roadmap emphasises sustainable, homegrown timber production, it does not specifically address Scottish or Welsh woodlands. However, the UK’s overarching goals for timber usage and afforestation may influence policies and practices in Wales and other devolved nations, potentially leading to increased collaboration and alignment in sustainable forestry initiatives across the UK.

To ensure sustainability and resilience, the roadmap addresses seven priority themes:

  1. Improving data on timber and whole-life carbon.
  2. Promoting safe, sustainable timber use in construction.
  3. Expanding skills, capacity, and competency across the supply chain.
  4. Increasing the sustainable supply of timber.
  5. Addressing fire safety and durability in engineered mass timber.
  6. Collaborating with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers to boost confidence in timber buildings.
  7. Encouraging innovation in high-performance timber construction systems.

Woodlands must also be resilient to climate change, pests, and severe weather while ensuring that increased timber use does not contribute to global deforestation or forest degradation.

This initiative aligns with wider efforts like the National Wood Strategy for England and the Timber Industrial Strategy for Wales (currently in consultation), supporting a circular economy and decarbonisation across the construction sector. A future built with timber will not only enhance sustainability but also strengthen the economy, transforming how we build homes and public buildings for generations to come.

Read the full Timber in Construction Roadmap 2025 here

PEFC UK becomes first sponsor for WoodBUILD 2025, championing circularity and carbon reduction

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Executive Director, John Kirkby will present within one of the programmes workshops and the organisation with exhibit

Woodknowledge Wales is pleased to announce PEFC UK as the first official sponsor of WoodBUILD 2025. As members of Woodknowledge Wales, PEFC UK wish to underscore the vital role that certified timber, in particular from home grown sources, plays in fostering a low-carbon, circular economy—key themes that will be explored at this year’s event.

John Kirkby,
PEFC UK,
Executive Director

As a forest certification body, PEFC UK is at the forefront of promoting sustainable forestry, ensuring that timber is responsibly sourced to contribute to a net-zero built environment. The construction sector is increasingly recognising the necessity of whole-life carbon accounting and the importance of credible certification systems in guaranteeing sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of timber products.

A recent PEFC UK blog emphasised how certified timber can significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions and enabling a circular economy. Sustainably managed forests sequester carbon while providing a renewable resource for construction. When timber is used in buildings, it locks away carbon for decades, making it a key component in the fight against climate change. Furthermore, a well-established circular supply chain ensures that timber products are designed for reuse, recycling, and repurposing, reducing waste and extending the life of materials.

WoodBUILD 2025 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how Wales can advance a sustainable timber-based future. With a focus on net-zero carbon, resource efficiency, and circularity, this event will showcase the importance of sustainable timber in modern construction. PEFC UK’s sponsorship reinforces the value of certified timber as a climate solution, ensuring that forest resources are managed in a way that benefits both the environment and the economy.

Through responsible sourcing and circular design principles, PEFC-certified timber helps create a resilient supply chain that supports the transition to a low-carbon built environment. This approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable materials that prioritise environmental responsibility without compromising structural performance.

We are proud to welcome PEFC UK as a key partner in this journey and look forward to meaningful discussions on how certified timber can shape the future of construction in Wales and beyond.

For more information on PEFC UK and their commitment to sustainable forestry, visit www.pefc.co.uk. To learn more about WoodBUILD 2025, visit www.woodknowledge.wales/woodbuild-2025.

CALLING ALL MINECRAFT BUILDERS!

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Help us develop online teams of school age learners to grow trees and build with timber to encourage early engagement with forestry and timber construction career potential

There is a real challenge in attracting young people into our industry. In fact, this has become an emerging threat to ambitions to build new homes and retrofit existing buildings. Many approaches are being explored to address this challenge, but whichever method employed, we believe it’s essential to inspire young people as to the fantastic careers that can be found in forestry, and sustainable construction. So, we’ve taken a decision to address this via the wonderful world of Minecraft.

Minecraft is what’s known as a ‘sandbox’ video game where players explore, build, and survive in a blocky, pixelated world. A player can gather resources, craft tools, and create almost anything that they can imagine. They can play on their own or with friends to create, explore or solve challenges. The online environment is available on all major games platforms, has a recommended PEGI rating of 7 and an ESBR rating of Everyone 10+. For further information, read What is Minecraft by Per Landin.

It’s highly possible that you know someone who has played the game, after all, 1 in 8 people on the planet have played the game.

Creating and piloting Forest Nation World

Woodknowledge Wales and some of its members spent time researching Minecraft and have decided to create Forest Nation World, an immersive environment for young people to explore, learn and create within the platform. Players in this online environment within Minecraft can “grow” trees and then use resources (such as Spruce timber) to design and construct sustainable buildings. 

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Our ambition is for Forest Nation World to provide an engaging platform for young people to learn about the forest industries. This aligns The Hwb, Welsh Government’s online portal for schools with a host of Minecraft resources to be used in the classroom such as the living sustainably scheme of work.

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We’re already piloting this approach with two of our members: PYC Group (Welshpool) and Hiraeth Architecture (Cardiff). Both companies are working with young people to recreate sustainable timber buildings in Minecraft, buildings that also exist in the “real” world.

Rob Thomas, Director at Hiraeth Architecture said “We have an aging workforce across the timber and construction industries and a skills gap increasing year on year.  Engaging young people in developing an understanding of trees, carbon and timber construction as fundamental to mitigating climate change is essential if we are to change this course.  Hopefully ideas like this can serve as inspiration and mobilise a new generation”

Jasper Meade, Director at PYC Group said “PYC has worked at careers events with local schools to help promote what future there can be working in the construction industry. In particular, our field of expertise which is high performance timber frame housing.  Having seen the potential with Minecraft, we feel that the idea of using Minecraft to engage young learners in the exploration of forestry, timber processing and building along with all the associated expertise such as engineering, design and manufacture will really get students excited and help them understand the potential in this world of work.”

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Growing Forest Nation World

We want Forest Nation World to grow. This is where you come in.

We would love you to get involved and build a Minecraft team. We want you to work with young people, engaging them in the task of growing trees and forests and designing and building timber buildings in Minecraft.

An ideal start would be to contact a local school to create a project that aligns with both their approach to learning and safeguarding.  We can help you with this.

We’ve created this video which we hope will inspire you to join us on this journey.

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If you want to get involved and would like more information please contact james.moxey@woodknowledgewales.co.uk 

Enabling innovation through collaboration across the wood value chain in Wales

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Christiane Lellig presented at Radical Housing Conference Scotland, Jan 2025 on the pivotal role of timber in achieving a green transition

At the Radical Housing Conference Scotland held on January 24, 2025, Christiane Lellig of Woodknowledge Wales delivered a compelling presentation titled “Enabling innovation through collaboration across the wood value chain in Wales.” This session built upon discussions from the Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024 and the Bioeconomy Regions Summit, emphasising the necessity of renewable, circular solutions for a decarbonised built environment and new working practices that foster connections between stakeholder groups.

Christiane, known for her work in societal transformation and regenerative approaches, highlighted the pivotal role of timber in achieving a green transition. She underscored the importance of building bio-based solutions to decarbonise the built environment, aligning with Woodknowledge Wales’ mission to inspire innovation through collaboration and create connections between industry stakeholders. She highlighted the role of Communities of Practice in facilitating collaboration among professionals to develop net-zero carbon homes and tackle barriers in the housing sector.

Promoting the use of locally sourced timber in social housing

A significant portion of the talk was dedicated to the Home-Grown Homes project, an initiative aimed at promoting the use of locally sourced timber in social housing. Christiane emphasised the project’s success in encouraging the adoption of timber in construction, thereby reducing carbon footprints and supporting local economies. She also touched upon the importance of regenerative materials and the need for a circular economy approach in the construction industry.

Christiane’s insights resonated with the conference’s overarching theme of exploring innovative, affordable, and low-carbon solutions to Scotland’s housing crises. Her emphasis on renewable, circular solutions provided a roadmap for integrating sustainable practices into housing development, aligning with the conference’s goal of fostering equitable and sustainable housing futures.

Pentan Architects win 2025 MacEwen Award for Severn View Park Care Home

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Celebrating design excellence in socially responsible architecture and sustainable timber construction in Wales

Monmouthshire County Council’s state-of-the-art Severn View Park Care Home was officially opened on Wednesday, 18 September, by Council Leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby. Source: Monmouthshire Beacon

A huge congratulations to Pentan Architects, a valued Woodknowledge Wales member, for winning the prestigious 2025 RIBA MacEwen Award for their outstanding work on Severn View Park Care Home in Chepstow. This recognition is a testament to the firm’s commitment to designing buildings that not only meet high architectural and environmental standards but also serve the well-being of communities.

The MacEwen Award celebrates projects that demonstrate “architecture for the common good,” and Severn View Park Care Home is a shining example of this ethos. The project showcases how thoughtful, sustainable timber design can create high-quality, uplifting spaces for residents, staff, and visitors alike. You can read the full award announcement on the RIBA Journal online.

A new approach to care home design

Severn View Park redefines the typical care home environment, moving away from an institutional model towards a design that fosters dignity, independence, and community connection. Pentan Architects achieved this by integrating innovative timber construction techniques, natural light, and carefully considered spatial layouts to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The use of timber, a core focus for Woodknowledge Wales, plays a pivotal role in the building’s success. Timber not only reduces the project’s carbon footprint but also contributes to the well-being of residents by providing a healthier indoor environment. The material’s natural aesthetic and thermal properties create a sense of comfort, which is crucial in a care setting.

The role of timber in sustainable and socially responsible design

As an organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable timber construction in Wales, we are thrilled to see this award-winning project exemplify the principles we advocate for. Severn View Park demonstrates how the use of timber can lead to significant environmental and social benefits:

  • Carbon Reduction: Timber sequesters carbon, helping to mitigate climate change while offering a renewable alternative to carbon-intensive materials.
  • Well-being: Research shows that exposure to timber in buildings can lower stress levels and improve overall health—an essential consideration for care home residents.
  • Energy Efficiency: The project incorporates high-performance timber construction techniques to ensure optimal thermal performance, reducing the building’s operational energy demand.

Learning from best practice

Pentan Architects’ achievement is a milestone not only for the organisation but also for the broader Welsh construction sector. It highlights how sustainable, locally sourced timber can be at the heart of innovative architectural solutions that improve people’s lives.

The award also reinforces the growing importance of material choices in shaping the future of social housing, healthcare, and community-focused developments. Woodknowledge Wales remains committed to supporting architects, developers, and policymakers in adopting sustainable timber construction as the default approach to new building projects.

The future of timber-led design in Wales

With this recognition, Severn View Park Care Home sets a precedent for future developments across Wales. The project exemplifies the Welsh Government’s aspirations for high-quality, sustainable housing and care environments, aligning with broader efforts to decarbonise the built environment and promote well-being through design.

Pentan Architects’ success is a powerful reminder that architecture has the ability to enhance lives, support communities, and address pressing environmental challenges. As we look ahead, Woodknowledge Wales will continue to champion projects that embrace these values and showcase the potential of sustainable timber construction.

Congratulations to Pentan Architects

Once again, congratulations to Pentan Architects for this well-deserved recognition. Their work on Severn View Park Care Home is an inspiration to the architectural community and a significant achievement for sustainable design in Wales.

Pilot project explores the future of sustainable schools

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A pioneering approach to empower young learners to design sustainable schools through creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

An exciting new collaboration between Morgan Sindall Construction and Cymbrogi Futures was launched this January at St Joseph’s RC School and Ysgol Bae Baglan. This innovative pilot project will run over one term, engaging learners in designing the Sustainable School of the Future—a challenge that encourages them to consider how their school can serve People, Planet, and Nature.

Working in teams, learners will develop creative solutions and present their ideas to an authentic, real-world audience in April. The project is designed to enhance essential skills such as Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Metacognition.

Beyond the classroom, Cymbrogi Futures is leveraging this pilot to develop an AI ‘Study Buddy’, in partnership with UCL’s Computer Science and Sustainability departments. This tool aims to support young people in their learning journeys, equipping them with the confidence and knowledge to engage with sustainability and innovation.

Intended Outcomes

  • Greater awareness of sustainable construction and career opportunities within the sector.
  • Enhanced educational engagement through a learner-led, project-based approach.
  • Increased self-efficacy in young people by integrating tools like Artificial Intelligence.
  • Reduced climate anxiety through an empowerment-focused learning model.

Next Steps

In March, Morgan Sindall will host workshops in both schools, offering teams expert feedback on their initial designs. This will provide an opportunity for learners to refine their ideas while gaining insight into potential career pathways in sustainable construction.

The project will culminate in showcase events in April, where teams will present their final concepts, and a winning idea will be selected.

This initiative represents a significant step towards equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to contribute to a sustainable built environment. Woodknowledge Wales is excited to follow this journey and share the outcomes of this pioneering collaboration.

Cymbrogi was established to equip learners and educators with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets necessary to shape thriving, sustainable futures for themselves, their communities, and the planet. By placing nature at the heart of the learning experience, Cymbrogi addresses areas such as climate anxiety, critical thinking, creative enterprise, and collaboration.

Morgan Sindall Construction undertakes projects like the Sustainable School of the Future to create long-lasting, environmentally sustainable communities. Their social value strategy focuses on benefiting taxpayers, local communities, and individuals by enhancing social, economic, and environmental well-being. By engaging in such initiatives, they aim to inspire future generations and promote sustainable development.

Projects like the Sustainable School of the Future align with Woodknowledge Wales’ mission to drive the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon built environment. By engaging young people in timber-based, climate-conscious design, these initiatives inspire future professionals, promote local supply chains, and enhance awareness of sustainable construction, ensuring that education and industry collaborate for a greener future.