December 2024
This update has been prepared by David Hedges, our Head of Housing and the Home-Grown Homes project manager.
Read previous Project Updates:
The Home-Grown Homes Project is drawing near to the end of its second phase, building on the success of Phase 1 to further develop sustainable housing solutions for Wales. This phase focuses on advancing the role of home-grown timber in construction, stimulating local supply chains, supporting skills development, and helping the Welsh housing sector meet its decarbonisation targets.
What Phase 2 aims to deliver
Home-Grown Homes Phase 2 expands on the foundations laid in Phase 1 by addressing key challenges and opportunities across three main areas:
- Strengthening Supply Chains: Working with sawmills, timber manufacturers, and industry partners to improve access to high-quality home-grown timber and measure environmental impact.
- Driving Market Innovation: Developing practical tools, case studies, and guidance to help housing clients, designers, and manufacturers reduce embodied carbon and unlock the benefits of timber construction.
- Skills and Education: Creating learning materials and pathways to inspire future talent and address skills gaps in forestry and construction.
Supporting Decarbonisation and Sustainable Growth
The project continues to support the Welsh Government’s ambitions, focusing on timber as a critical resource for reducing carbon emissions in construction and fostering a sustainable supply of locally produced materials. Outputs include reports, tools, and guidance aimed at policymakers, industry stakeholders, and housing providers.
How to access Phase 2 resources
To ensure the project delivers maximum impact, outputs will be made available in accessible formats, including:
- Practical Tools and Reports: Supporting decision-making and carbon reduction in housing and construction.
- Case Studies: Showcasing real-world examples of timber use in supply chains and housing projects.
- Learning Resources: Designed to encourage participation in forestry and timber-based careers.
A growing resource for sustainable housing
As outputs from Phase 2 are completed, they will be shared on the Home-Grown Homes project page alongside Phase 1 resources to provide a growing repository of practical insights and tools for the housing and timber industries.
For the latest updates and resources, check back regularly or subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.
