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.
