Woodknowledge Wales has responded to Welsh Government’s consultation on the standards new homes will need to meet in the future. We think the climate emergency demands a proactive approach from house builders of all types and we should be moving to a target driven approach. We think new homes need to be Net Zero Whole […]
News
How to build a Welsh Wood Economy
Why would it be beneficial for Welsh society to build a wood economy? A new report takes a closer look and analyses the economic and social parameters. Get your free copy of the report here and join the dialogue! The ‘Serious about Green?’ report is authored by the team at Foundational Economy Research, led by Karel […]
Valorising the potential of the Welsh green gold reserve
A personal reflection by Dainis Dauksta, technical manager, Woodklnowledge Wales Conifers grow superbly across many of the microclimates and soil types found in Wales, producing a widely varying range of wood types. However, Wales is caught in a paradox because tropes, assumptions and misinformation still dominate discussions about using Welsh softwoods in construction. Producing Britain’s […]
Home-Grown Homes Updates – September
With just a few months left of the Home-Grown Homes Project we are now focused on pulling together all findings from the research into usable design guides and tools to leave a lasting legacy from the project. Project Governance update The project’s steering group met in September. It reviewed project progress and in particular discussed […]
How do you compare building standards and net zero operational targets?
Good Homes Alliance and Woodknowledge Wales commissioned an energy modelling report to compare different low energy building standards. The paper seeks to illustrate how the choice of a building standard affects the amount of renewable energy generation that is required to comply with a net zero operational outcome. The report does not take into account […]
Are modern UK forests suited to help restore biodiversity?
Can productive forests provide both carbon storage and enhanced biodiversity? In the public debate across national media and the twittersphere this seems unlikely. Confor’s new Biodiversity, Forestry and Wood report makes the case that planting and managing trees in the UK to produce wood can deliver biodiversity benefits as well as playing a vital role […]
Home-Grown Homes Project updates- July 2020
A new timber frame manufacturing group, an extension request for project partner Cardiff Met and trying out an overheating risk assessment tool. Home-Grown Homes project manager David Hedges, brings us the latest up dates from the project. Project Governance update The project’s Steering Group has met twice in June and July to review progress, consider […]
Re-foresting: the potential for timber villages
Results from a study on production strategies for the Northern Forest. As England is launching a consultation on its future tree planting strategy, we’re looking at results of a recent study by Simon Feather. ‘Re-Foresting: A Strategy for Production within the Northern Forest’ investigates collaborative approaches between architects and the forestry sector to define future […]
The Foundational Economy and its impact on the timber construction sector in Wales
Gary Newman, Chief Executive of Woodknowledge Wales expores what the Foundational Economy is, why Welsh Government are interested in it and what it means for the Welsh timber sector. The Welsh first Minister, Mark Drakeford AM, is increasingly considering Welsh development policy through the lens of the Foundational Economy. I’m also drawn to the Foundational […]
HGH Project Updates May 2020
While the Covid-19 pandemic has brought large parts of the industry to a standstill, we’ve been working away as best we can to progress the Home-Grown Homes project further. Project governance update Acting on recommendations from the independent project review carried out in March, Powys County Council has strengthened governance by creating a steering committee […]
