A transformational hub for innovators in construction
Regenerative materials are bio-based materials such as timber, straw or hemp, and/or reclaimed or recycled building materials that are produced and used in ways that have a positive impact on the natural environment and society. Their responsible choice and application can help restore natural resources, enhance biodiversity and wellbeing, and contribute positively to the local economy.
Regenerative Materials First is a transformational hub for innovators in construction. Curated by Woodknowledge Wales, it brings together an inclusive, cross-sector collective of organisations in building construction, dedicated to driving change across the supply chain. Gathering around live construction projects between 2025-2028, this game-changing collaboration will explore and deliver new models for procuring and building with regenerative materials, such as home-grown timber and reclaimed steel.
Regenerative Materials First will be guided by the principles of a Just Transition | UN Global Compact and accelerate the power of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Social Partnership & Public Procurement Act 23.
About Regenerative Materials First
Purpose: Advance the viability of the use of regenerative materials in construction as mainstream options.
Process: Live building projects, supported by a curated collective of construction professionals working towards procurement and construction processes for optimising use of regenerative materials in new build and retrofit.
Value: Capacity building through mutual learning and support, development of new ways of working, business opportunities and network creation, positioning as innovators in construction.
Period: 2025 to 2028
Project details
Innovators in construction
Regenerative Materials First presents a novel way to work across corporate boundaries. It demonstrates that a significantly greater reliance on nature-based solutions and regenerative materials is good for business, communities and individuals.
As innovators in construction, we invite organisations of all types who have the energy, expertise and influence to embed the use of regenerative materials as a viable alternative to current mainstream construction materials. As a hub member you will pledge to select regenerative materials wherever possible in the delivery of the six building projects that are identified as trailblazers.
As a key player in the national construction value chain, you may want to join this cutting-edge transition accelerator to provide your expertise and support local enterprises in the delivery of trailblazer projects on the ground.
As a local firm, you may join to provide your local on-site knowledge and forge new relationships with local and national experts to deliver one of the trailblazer projects to its best possible outcome.
Whatever your aspiration, the hub provides you with a unique opportunity to connect, learn and evolve as a business and as a professional with an ambition to drive change.
Trailblazer projects
Local building projects, such as new build or retrofit of schools, industrial units or offices, led by committed client organisations will be the focus of Regenerative Materials First. We are looking for a minimum of six projects to be turned into assets whose fabric, structure and fit-out relyies heavily on regenerative materials. Local project teams will benefit from the support of the hub all the way from commissioning, procurement and design through to contract delivery, supply chain selection and stakeholder engagement. These trailblazer projects will enable capacity building on all levels of the value chain and help develop processes for a built environment that truly respect nature, are resource efficient, and support local communities.
Core benefits for hub members
Be part of the transition accelerator
Drive change across the supply chain by being involved in the design and delivery of building assets which rely heavily on regenerative materials and that are a living legacy for a new mainstream.
Benefit from knowledge & expertise
Access some of the greatest knowledge and expertise in the application of regenerative materials in the built environment. This includes results from more than four years of Research & Development in how the Design & Build process obviates the delivery of high performing, ultra-low carbon assets.
Make the most out of reputational value & positioning
Enjoy the reputational value that comes out of your engagement with this agenda. Regenerative Materials First offers potential speaking and presenting opportunities to share your experience. It also offers a mention as a leading-edge hub member on the Regenerative Materials First page and a logo presence on the WKW website members’ page. Your participation in Regenerative Materials First includes a WKW membership and gives you access to specific support and expertise for your organisation, communities of practice and more.
The Hub
The hub is designed to enable the collaborative development of its processes and workings. It brings together a curated collective of supply chain professionals and their organisations, including from architects to insurers, from engineers to building contractors, from cost consultants to manufacturers, from public or private client organisations to salvage companies. Its aim is to provide a space for knowledge sharing and mutual support, creating connections and seizing opportunities to overcome common barriers, solving procurement challenges and increasing positive impact by working together on tangible projects. Proposed formats include:
- Regenerative Materials First trailblazer design & delivery workshops to support the development of the projects – in line with project progress and requirements
- Regenerative Materials First surgery for hub members to share recent experience and discuss upcoming challenges – fortnightly
- Regenerative Materials First advocacy events with policymakers and other influencers
- Regenerative Materials First spotlight at WoodBUILD and associated events – annually
- Regenerative Materials First representation at relevant external events
As a member of this transition accelerator you are invited and encouraged to put forward ideas and initiatives to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and peer learning. Hub members can embrace a variety of roles within the collective, based on their needs and fields of experience and expertise.
FAQs
1. What are regenerative materials?
Regenerative materials include bio-based options like timber, straw, or hemp, as well as reclaimed or recycled building materials. These materials are produced and applied in ways that benefit the natural environment and society, helping restore natural resources, enhance biodiversity, and boost the local economy.
2. What is Regenerative Materials First?
Regenerative Materials First is a transformational hub curated by Woodknowledge Wales, uniting innovators across construction sectors to explore and promote the use of regenerative materials, such as home-grown timber and reclaimed steel, in non-residential buildings. The initiative runs from 2025-2028 and focuses on developing new models for procurement and building.
3. How can my business get involved?
Businesses can engage by pledging to use regenerative materials in six trailblazing construction projects. You can contribute your expertise to the supply chain, help deliver trailblazer projects, and collaborate with local firms and other industry players to develop regenerative buildings.
4. What are trailblazer projects?
Trailblazer projects are local construction projects, such as schools or industrial units, that will heavily incorporate regenerative materials. These projects will serve as case studies for capacity building, from commissioning to completion, and provide real-world models for how to create sustainable, resource-efficient built environments.
5. What are the tangible outcomes of Regenerative Materials First?
The hub aims to:
Provide policy recommendations for creating an enabling environment. You are invited and encouraged to put forward ideas and initiatives to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and peer learning. Hub members can embrace a variety of roles within the collective, based on their needs and fields of experience and expertise.
- Deliver six building projects using regenerative materials.
- Build capacity across the supply chain, identifying skills gaps.
- Develop new procurement and design processes, such as urban mining.
- Establish market growth potential for Welsh regenerative materials like timber.
6. What are the benefits of joining the hub?
As a member, you can:
- Receive support and be recognised on the Woodknowledge Wales website.
- Drive change by working on trailblazing construction projects.
- Access cutting-edge knowledge and research from over four years of R&D.
- Enhance your organisation’s reputation as a leader in sustainable construction.
- Gain speaking and networking opportunities at industry events.
7. Who can join the hub?
The hub is open to professionals from across the construction supply chain—architects, engineers, contractors, insurers, manufacturers, and more. You can contribute your expertise, propose ideas, and collaborate on innovative construction solutions.
8. What types of events and activities are involved?
The hub offers:
- Annual spotlight sessions at WoodBUILD and other key industry events.
- Trailblazer design and delivery workshops.
- Regular sessions to share experiences and tackle challenges.
- Advocacy events with policymakers.
9. How does Regenerative Materials First support the Welsh economy?
By focusing on home-grown timber and locally reclaimed materials, the hub encourages investment in Welsh regenerative materials and strengthens the local construction supply chain, offering new business opportunities and fostering market growth.
10. How do I join or learn more?
If you’re ready to be part of this initiative, or simply want to know more, contact Louise Townsend, Special Advisor on business resilience and social value, at email.
11. What is Woodknowledge Wales?
Woodknowledge Wales is a not-for-profit organisation driving change across the natural and built environment in Wales to support rapid decarbonisation and social wellbeing through knowledge exchange, advocacy, and strategic interventions.
12. How did this project come about?
The Circular Twin and Regenerative Twin projects by Morgan Sindall Construction demonstrated the need for on-the-ground action in sustainable construction, inspiring the creation of Regenerative Materials First.
How to get involved
Ready to join the hub? Intrigued and want to learn more about it?
Speak to Louise Townsend, Special Advisor – business resilience and social value
Special thanks
We’d like to credit the Circular Twin and Regenerative Twin projects led by Morgan Sindall Construction. These collaborative research projects evidenced the need for real action on the ground and inspired the development of Regenerative Materials First.
