Woodknowledge Wales

Woodknowledge Wales

Inspiring innovation through collaboration

Search Results for: how to manufacture advanced timber

June 8, 2022 – How to manufacture advanced timber frame panels for high performance buildings

by

How-to training event on the techniques of high-performance closed panel timber frame and injection of natural insulation< Timber frame construction is evolving fast. Ever increasing energy performance standards are driving rapid innovation in how we conceive and deliver timber frame construction. This is exemplified by a shift from open panel to the more exacting requirements of the thermally broken closed panel construction method. Furthermore, ecological, health and resource considerations are accelerating the shift away from petrochemical products to more natural and resource efficient solutions. This ‘how-to’ training event will introduce participants to the techniques of high-performance closed panel timber frame, manufactured to meet the demanding Passivhaus standard and will include the injection of natural insulation. Audience: Housing development professionals, architects, contractors, timber frame manufacturers, students

Speakers: James Moxey (Woodknowledge Wales), Jasper Meade (PYC)

Format: Blended event offering in person and online participation (via Zoom).

  • Online tickets: 100 places (11am-12.30pm)
  • In person tickets: 20 places (11am-15.30pm)

PROGRAMME

Part 1 Theory (in person and online)

11.00 Advanced panel design

11.30 Injecting Cellulose Insulation

12.00 Q&A

12.30 Close

Part 2 Practice (in person only)

13.30 Practical Workshop: Advanced timber frame manufacturing including design, assembly, taping, and injecting natural insulation.

15.30 Close

This event is part of Trawsnewid Menter Pren | Transforming Timber Enterprise – an event series providing inspiration, knowledge and skills for a zero-carbon built environment.

The transformation to zero carbon creates new and exciting opportunities for both business and skills development. Our aim in this series of expert led events is to inspire organisations in general and young people in particular to better understand and embrace the opportunities presented by the rapid transformation to a zero-carbon built environment. These ‘how-to’ events cover essential aspects of both new build and retrofit, and major on the better understanding of the use of timber products and the forests from which they are produced.

REGISTRATION

This event is free to attend but you must register via Eventbrite HERE.

Event details

Date: 08/06/2022

Time: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm

Driving innovation and collaboration: key takeaways from WoodBUILD 2024 for forestry and timber experts

by

WoodBUILD 2024 was a landmark event that brought together leaders from the forestry sector, academia, and the timber industry to explore the future of sustainable timber use in construction.

Held on July 2-3 at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) in Swansea, and hosted by Woodknowledge Wales with support from Morgan Sindall Construction, the conference served as a dynamic platform for sharing insights, discussing innovations, and addressing challenges in the sector.

Here are details of key takeaways for forestry and timber professionals from this year’s conference and how the industry can drive innovation and collaboration.

Key Themes and Insights

The conference commenced with an engaging Ministerial address by Huw Irranca-Davies MS, The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs (Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newid Hinsawdd), setting an optimistic tone for the discussions and workshops that followed. The event featured an immersive film experience, hands-on workshops, and thought-provoking plenary sessions. These activities delved into critical topics such as sustainable forestry practices, regenerative construction, and advanced timber applications.

An immersive woodland film

Created by Jamie Brookes at Landspan an immersive woodland experience introduced visitors to the world of immersive film and its application for engagement and visual display of LiDAR maps. Through dynamic imagery and thoughtful narration, the film underscored the critical importance of sustainable forest management and conservation.

Collaborative discussion for problem solving

On the first day, the plenary session “Pushing Boundaries – Communities of Action,” led by Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales, proved particularly influential. This session was instrumental in transforming insights into actionable strategies for enhancing the wood value chain and construction practices. Key discussions centred around carbon management, sustainable forestry techniques, and the complexities of timber use in modern construction. Topics explored included fire safety, workforce skills, and the benefits and drawbacks of using Western Hemlock. The session emphasised the need for continuous dialogue and joint problem-solving to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the industry.

The workshops at WoodBUILD 2024 provided valuable practical solutions and insights for tackling key issues in forestry and timber use:

Welsh Government’s Timber Industrial Strategy

The Welsh Government presented work to date on its Timber Industrial Strategy (TIS) and used the opportunity to gather further industry feedback. The TIS aims to bolster the domestic timber sector by increasing sustainable forest management and promoting timber use in construction. It emphasises enhancing local supply chains, supporting innovation, and fostering industry collaboration to boost economic growth and environmental benefits. This strategy aligns with WoodBUILD 2024’s focus on sustainable timber solutions and will offer valuable guidance and case studies on how to increase the economic impact of Wales’s forest industries.

Sustainable Forest Management: Hosted by Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales, this workshop highlighted the urgent need for improved timber marketing strategies, effective biodiversity management, and enhanced woodland management practices. Recommendations included shifting NRW’s timber sales approach towards a more marketing-focused model, conducting a comprehensive biodiversity census, and fostering community involvement in woodland management. These actions aim to optimize timber use and ensure sustainable forest practices.

Circular to Regenerative Construction was led by headline sponsors, Morgan Sindall Construction. This session highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic design approach and fostering broad collaboration within the construction industry. The workshop stressed the need to simplify regenerative principles and address policy barriers to promote more sustainable and circular building practices. Participants discussed the benefits of moving beyond traditional capital cost considerations and embracing a collective effort for meaningful progress in construction.

Future Generations in Forestry addressed the challenge of attracting young talent to the forestry and timber industries. Strategies discussed included leveraging social media for outreach, offering competitive career benefits, and creating engaging opportunities for Generation Z. The session highlighted the importance of making forestry careers appealing and dynamic, showcasing diverse career paths, and using influencers to shift perceptions and attract new talent.

Natural Fibre Insulation focused on the benefits of natural fibres in construction, this session emphasized their advantages in thermal performance, moisture control, and indoor air quality. Despite being a rapidly growing insulation segment in the UK, challenges such as limited availability and insufficient industry awareness hinder broader adoption. The workshop called for improved communication and regulation of embodied carbon, as well as the integration of energy modelling to advance sustainable building practices.

Timber 101 provided an in-depth look at the properties and potential of home-grown timber. Three of the UK’s top wood scientists; Dr. Dan Ridley-Ellis from Edinburgh Napier University, Dr. Morwenna Spear of Bangor University’s BioComposites Centre, and Phil O’Leary from Filros Timber Consultancy discussed wood’s variability, moisture content, and strength grading. The session highlighted the need for better communication between researchers and industry professionals, improved grading practices, and expanding the use of different timber species. Challenges such as the scarcity of wood scientists and extensive testing requirements were also addressed. The workshop advocated for innovative solutions to enhance timber’s role in sustainable construction.

Managing Forests in a Changing Climate focused on the impact of climate change on forest management. Key discussions included managing risks like pests and drought, planning for future climate conditions, and implementing adaptive management practices. The workshop raised the importance of maintaining diverse species, improving monitoring systems, and adopting flexible regulations to adapt to changing climate conditions. It also highlighted gaps in understanding forest resilience and the need for reinvestment in forestry to support long-term sustainability.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Schools’ Challenge explored practical examples of timber reuse in schools, specifically at Ysgol Bontnewydd. Discussions included timber grading, repurposing, and the establishment of re-manufacture facilities and salvage networks. The session revealed a need for better standards, stronger networks, and the integration of circular economy principles into training and policies. Emphasis was placed on modular design, material reduction, and engaging local communities and students in sustainability initiatives.

Gwynfaen: A Case Study in Low Carbon Development provided an update on the Gwynfaen social housing project, which has focused on using timber to reduce whole life carbon emissions. The session highlighted innovations in timber panel assembly, insulation, and cladding that have improved efficiency and performance. Challenges and successes in the project were discussed, with future evaluations planned to monitor home performance and occupant experiences to ensure project goals are met.

Development of Embodied Carbon and Footprint Assessment Tools was co-hosted by The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) and Woodknowledge Wales. It introduced new tools for assessing embodied carbon and carbon footprints. The session underscored challenges such as balancing simplicity with accuracy in assessments and effectively accounting for biogenic carbon. Participants called for ongoing refinement of these tools and their integration into early project planning to address climate change effectively.

A call for ongoing dialogue

WoodBUILD 2024 highlighted the crucial role of innovation, collaboration, and strategic action in the forestry and timber sectors. The event underscored the significance of integrating Welsh timber in construction and emphasised the need for skills development and teamwork to overcome industry challenges and advance sustainable practices.

The conference provided valuable insights that call for ongoing dialogue, practical solutions, and a unified approach to improving timber use and forest management. By embracing these strategies and fostering collaborative efforts, the forestry and timber sectors can make significant strides toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

WoodBUILD 2024 presentations can now be downloaded from the event page. For more information on how to become a member of Woodknowledge Wales and join this critical ongoing conversation, please contact Rachel Cook or visit woodknowledge.wales

Bridging the Gap: Boost Careers in Forestry and Advanced Timber Manufacturing

by

Join James Moxey and Ceri Loxton at two pivotal WoodBUILD 2024 workshops designed to inspire and engage the next generation in the forest industries.

In the quest to inspire young minds and drive them towards careers in the Forest Industries, access to engaging content, courses, and qualifications is crucial. As part of WoodBUILD 2024, two dynamic workshops are set to break new ground, aimed at exploring and addressing the challenges in these sectors while fostering collaboration between the Forest Industry and the Education sectors.

“The forest industries in Wales share much in common with lots of other sectors looking to attract enthusiastic, intelligent, committed young people to join their sector. How are we going to do this? How needs to be involved in making this happen? what resources do we currently have in Wales to help us achieve this and what more do we need? How can we work across sectors and nations to help insure we have informed, educated and motivated young people to help us respond to the climate crisis?” Ceri Loxton, Research Scientist, BioComposites Centre, Bangor University

Future Generations in the Forest Industries’ on Tuesday, July 2 at 11:30 AM and ‘Inspiring Future Generations’ on Wednesday, July 3 at 14:00 PM aim to advance the essential work highlighted in a recent study, which identified significant recruitment challenges in both Forestry and advanced timber manufacturing.

“The future of all sectors in the Forest Industries relies on our ability to attract young people who will take on the challenge of decarbonising Welsh society through the creation of sustainable forests and the construction of low carbon homes. The importance of making this happen cannot be over-emphasised.”  James Moxey, Woodknowledge Wales

The skills and recruitment work undertaken by James Moxey, Business Development & Delivery, Woodknowledge Wales as part of the Home-Grown Homes 2 project (HGH2) has unveiled critical challenges in the forestry and advanced timber manufacturing sectors.

There’s a clear need for a unified approach among stakeholders to create a cohesive plan and implement activities that will not only resolve these issues but also support Wales’ ambitious goals to decarbonize society and build sustainable homes.

The 2024 Edge Foundation Skills Shortages bulletin highlights some stark realities:

  1. The overall labour market remains tough.
  2. Employment patterns are undergoing significant changes.
  3. Skills shortages are numerous and growing.
  4. Investment in skills is on the decline.
  5. Skills shortages are costly for UK businesses, the economy, and the environment.
  6. Employers value work experience and transferable skills.
  7. Young people lack confidence in meeting future skills requirements.
  8. The education system is struggling to keep pace with skills needs.

With more than half of UK businesses experiencing skills shortages and an aging workforce—20% of foresters are set to retire by 2030—the need for innovative solutions is urgent. The Forestry and advanced timber manufacturing sectors, pivotal in decarbonizing Welsh society and addressing housing crises, are at the heart of this issue.

Workshops to Inspire and Collaborate

The upcoming workshops, hosted by James Moxey of Woodknowledge Wales and Ceri Loxton of BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, are not just about discussing challenges but about developing actionable solutions to bridge the skills gap and attract new talent.

Workshop 1: Future Generations in the Forest Industries

Date: Tuesday, July 2 at 11:30 AM

This interactive session aims to bring together a diverse group to explore how we can inspire young people about the value of careers in the Forest Industries. The focus will be on understanding how these careers can offer meaningful work that contributes to climate action.

Workshop 2: Inspiring Future Generations

Date: Tuesday, July 3 at 11:30 AM

This session will delve into ensuring young people have access to inspiring content, courses, and qualifications. The goal is to explore and define the challenges in these areas and to develop creative actions for collaboration between the Forest Industry and the Education sectors.

These workshops are more than just events—they will contribute towards creating a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the enthusiasm of the younger generations, we can secure a greener, more sustainable future for Wales and beyond.

Strategic Actions for Forestry and Advanced Timber Manufacturing

Outline findings from our recent study into skills and recruitment have propose a plan of action.

Forestry

A Welsh Forestry working group for skills and recruitment has been established in response to the skills challenge, to focus on four key themes:

  1. Growing Interest: Collaborate with Careers Wales and communication specialists to accurately depict the incentives and appeal of Forestry careers to young people.
  2. Growing Awareness: Expand awareness-raising activities and create an online resource to connect employers with educators, highlighting careers that support Wales’ Net-Zero ambitions.
  3. Growing Access: Develop apprenticeships and ensure biodiversity management practices are integral to forestry training.
  4. Growing the Workforce: Create a prospectus to encourage investment in expanding the forest contractor base across Wales.

Advanced Timber Manufacturing (ATM)

We are working with Welsh timber frame manufacturers and joiners to address four main themes:

  1. Building Interest: Adapt career offers to align with younger generations’ values.
  2. Building Access: Identify and develop essential course content to support ATM, including lectures and modules in key subject areas.
  3. Building Awareness: Promote careers in ATM through events, lectures, and firsthand experience opportunities.
  4. Building a Workforce: Use regenerative principles to drive skills and recruitment within housing developments.

Common Themes and Collective Action

The study also identified common themes that support several recommended actions. These include:

  • Awareness: Raising society’s understanding of the role of Forestry and low-carbon ATM in decarbonizing Wales.
  • Interest: Highlighting incentives to attract people to these sectors.
  • Access: Creating learning pathways for proper training and skill development.
  • Workforce: Supporting entry into the sectors through experience, employment, and continuous professional development (CPD).

The key to success lies in collective action. By bringing together representatives from private, public, and third-sector organizations, shared solutions to barriers can be found.

Impact on the Timber Industrial Strategy

The Timber Industrial Strategy (TIS) relies on a steady flow of skilled individuals to thrive. The workshops and subsequent actions are designed to ensure this flow supports the TIS’s ambitions. By adapting to the needs of the people of Wales and attracting talent to sectors offering climate action careers, the study calls for immediate and concerted efforts.

Register for WoodBUILD 2024 and be part of these critical industry discussions.

How to achieve zero carbon timber housing in Wales? Five options for further investigation.

by


In 2019 we presented a strategy (Zero Carbon Homes) for the integration of the Welsh forest industries supply chain with offsite timber construction. Focussed particularly on home-grown timber, we set out a series of key actions to transform the use of home-grown timber in house building through increasing supply chain integration, encouraging a focus on producing high-value construction products and addressing the lack of tree planting in Wales.
Since then, the call for a zero carbon off-site timber construction solution has grown louder in Wales and from a wider audience, encompassing manufacturers, housing associations and the construction industry. Whilst a number of Welsh timber frame manufacturers have the experience and capability to deliver advanced high performance timber systems capable of meeting Passivhaus equivalent performance, this is far from the norm.
Local and national policy has focussed attention on the increased use of Modern Methods of Construction, the climate emergency has added to the essential need for a swift and dramatic improvement of energy performance in new build construction, and the innovative housing programme has continued to highlight both the immense opportunity available for the Welsh supply chains and the fundamental issues associated with design and procurement.
This presents the simple question: What is a zero carbon timber solution for Wales?
The Zero Carbon Homes: Zero Carbon Timber Solutions guidance proposes a range of timber-based build solutions to achieve zero carbon. These were developed under a future proofed definition for ‘zero carbon’ as well as design and calculation to develop an understanding of the quantifiable factors of embodied and operational carbon. Using a fabric first approach, the examination of existing and alternative timber construction methods, materials and systems offers a range of developed timber solutions that are capable of meeting the target fabric specification. These include information on whole carbon emission and offsetting calculations for a range of key typologies demonstrating the routes to Zero Carbon.
The guidance presents research findings and actions for decision making, training and skills, technical development and testing, design and modelling tools relevant for designers, manufacturers, specifiers and clients seeking to deliver zero carbon homes.

House types for zero carbon developments

As part of the study a number of house type designs were compared in terms of their performance across five principles to achieve zero carbon.
When arranged as a semi-detached structure, the traditional two-storey, two-bed home designed for four people (house type 1) presents a significant challenge in reducing total energy demand and overall carbon footprint. As a consequence, a greater intervention is required to capture carbon and therefore compensate for the carbon emissions if a development of this house type is to reach net-zero whole life carbon. A terraced arrangement of the same house type both reduces the heating demand and the overall carbon footprint which in turn reduces offsetting requirements significantly.
A three-storey town house designed for four people (house type 7) has a smaller footprint and is taller with the same quantity of space allocated over three storeys. Arranged as a semi-detached, this performs better than house type 1. When arranged as a terrace the total energy demand is significantly below the RIBA targets for 2030, 10 years ahead of schedule. However, the embodied carbon impacts are still challenging. We need to work much harder to reduce these if we are to achieve the targets established by RIBA.
Structural timber solutions and renewable insulation products offer significant potential savings in upfront carbon, a priority for reduction measures, and store more carbon within the building’s fabric for the lifetime of the building. These solutions are supported by a rigorous process of evidence gathering as presented in the guidance.

How to achieve Zero Carbon: 5 principles.

Our Net Zero Carbon framework identifies five principles to achieve zero carbon homes.
Minimise Operational Energy Demand
We have remodelled a typical 2-Bed, 4-person home so that its Total Energy Use Intensity is less than 35 kWh/m2/yr and its Space Heating Demand is designed to be less than 15 kWh/m2/yr. RIBA’s 2030 target of a space heating demand of 15kWh/m2 is challenging but can be achieved using a high quality, high performance airtight fabric with U-Values in the region of 0.1W/m2k which is thermal bridge free. Less compact designs (e.g. bungalows, detached and semi-detached) have higher form factors so require either a higher performing fabric (i.e. < 0.1W/m2k) to achieve the desired 15 kWh/m2/yr or will require a higher rate of energy to heat them. Rethinking the orientation of structures and layouts including glazing allows us to maximise the use of the sun’s energy to heat our homes whilst managing overheating risk. Our modelling shows benefits in the region of up to 3.5 kWh/m2 through optimising orientation and layout.
Minimise Embodied carbon
We have modelled five advanced timber frame panels which emit up-front carbon of less than 69kg CO2e/m2 and whole-life embodied carbon of approximately 180kg CO2e/m2, reductions of over 60% and 23% respectively over a standard timber frame solution. The most important time to reduce CO2 emissions is now. Achieving up-front CO2 emissions of less than 300kgCO2e/m2 is challenging but can be achieved if high-value timber components are employed in the manufacture and construction of housing. Clients should consult with the supply-chain to ensure that fabric solutions can be delivered that achieve both embodied carbon and operational energy targets.
Only Use Renewable Energy
Micro-renewables such as solar panels installed on a roof will create energy that can be used to heat a home, to charge an electric vehicle or to sell energy to the national grid. Solar panels and heat pumps also reduce the reliance of our homes on energy derived from burning fossil fuels. They therefore have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions. However, there is no such thing as clean energy – there is a carbon footprint incurred in manufacturing and installing pumps, panels and batteries, and like all emerging technologies their predicted lifetime can be shorter (and thus have a higher carbon footprint) than designed. The existing SAP calculation method relied upon by Building Regulations incentivises the use of renewables to achieve a high EPC rating whilst the fabric performance (in terms of both embodied carbon and operational energy demands) of that building may be neglected. This should be considered.
Minimise the performance gap
Building performance is a complex issue. Hence, minimising the performance gap requires joined up thinking between client, designer, main contractor, manufacturers, and any sub-contracted businesses. Adoption of a strict and contractually robust quality assurance system is crucial. Appointing an individual responsible for ensuring quality at all levels including monitoring final material choices, manufacturing processes, construction detailing, and key performance characteristics such as levelling, airtightness, and moisture ingress would help achieve targets. Combining standardised specifications for fabric proposals and repeatable housing models allows to employ Building Information Modelling (BIM) which incorporates detailed whole life cycle carbon modelling.
Offset to below zero
Offsetting should be considered as a last resort when all efforts to reduce CO2 emissions to net zero through design, material choices and construction methods have been exploited. As an example: a development of 100 homes emits about 8000 tonnes of CO2 and stores around 2500 tonnes of carbon in the form of timber products. It would therefore need an offset planting scheme that captures the remaining 5500 tonnes of CO2. This is equivalent to a 30 hectare woodland containing a mix of broadleaf and conifers and could be an interesting financial asset.
Net-Zero targets for Wales

Where next?

The results of this study are considered a first stage in a longer journey which we have already begun with eleven local authorities in Wales, supported by the Innovative Housing Programme. Setting out to establish a net zero carbon solution for Wales, alternative proposals are being examined. These remain viable but require further focussed investigation in a collaborative approach with industry specialists, timber supply chain, clients and design professionals to

  • develop agreed solutions for certification, testing and warranty system approval including fire safety, thermal performance and quality assurance
  • technically resolve, prototype, test and apply new and evolved solutions for manufacture and assembly to develop one of more of the fabric proposals
  • identify supply chain opportunities and constraints
  • assess build ability and advancement of offsite manufacturing opportunities
  • identify development requirements for training and infrastructure
  • develop design thinking and identify zero carbon design tools
  • consider procurement and identify a pathway to developing a connected, robust and fair supply chain that can deliver zero carbon housing at scale to meet whole life cost and carbon objectives.

Delivering these objectives will require collaboration at a scale that is not common in the construction industry. But the opportunity is huge.
If you would like to get involved in the journey ahead, please contact James.moxey@woodknowledgewales.co.uk.

Home-Grown Homes Update

by

April 2024

This update has been prepared by David Hedges, our Head of Housing and the Home-Grown Homes project manager.

Read previous Project Updates:

Home-Grown Homes Phase Two reaches the halfway mark

Phase Two of the Project is now halfway through its two-year term. We’re continuing to finalise case study reports on the work of our sawmills, processors and clients. These will be available on our website and used to illustrate the forthcoming consultation on Wales’ first Timber Industrial Strategy. One of these case studies focusses on a number of small sawmills which have benefitted from the collective purchase of high-quality Douglas fir sawlogs from the Welsh Government Woodland Estate at Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau. For more information contact John Sweeny.

We’re completing a report on the development of our Small Sawmillers Community of Practice (CoP) which has been going from strength to strength. The CoP has grown out of our work supporting small sawmills to access a regular supply of sawlogs and has included a series of networking events and visits. For more information on the CoP contact John Sweeny.

Reporting environmental impact

We’ve made good progress on the development of tools for helping measure and report environmental impact. We’re working with the Good Homes Alliance and Alliance for Sustainable Building Products on projects to create easy to use tools to help clients to make better choices and to lower the embodied carbon of construction projects. As part of this, we’re working with a sawmill and a manufacturer on how to report the impact of their work. We’ll have versions available over the next few months to test, so we can get feedback from users and refine the tools. For more information contact Diana Waldron.

Building performance evaluation

The warmer weather heralds the end of the ‘heating season’ but the last few weeks have allowed us to carry out a series of Building Performance Evaluation tests with client members in Cardiff, Newtown and Aberavon – with the help of Barcud, Mid Wales Properties, Cardiff Council, Wates, @Home, Tai Tarian and Hale Construction. We’ve been measuring a number of different properties to assess fabric performance and mechanical and ventilation systems ahead of their occupation. The thermal performance and air leakage tests will help to identify whether the finished properties are achieving the energy performance they have been designed to achieve. The analysis of the test results will take place over the next few weeks. For more information contact Diana Waldron.

Understanding home-grown timber and forestry education

We’re refining the research we’ve been doing on understanding the performance of home-grown timber in timber frame manufacturing. It has highlighted the challenges and opportunities and considers the relationship between forest management, processing and the supply of stable structural timber. For more information contact James Moxey.

We’ve completed our final report on the state of skills, education and training in the forestry and advanced timber manufacturing sectors. And our work moves on at pace with the mapping of the education networks across Wales. We’re holding stakeholder discussions on Personal Learning Accounts and short courses for both sectors and we’re planning an online event as well as a session at WoodBUILD linked to the challenge of recruiting young people. For more information contact James Moxey.

Stakeholder mapping and engagement

We’ve completed a stakeholder mapping exercise. It’s an overview of the stakeholders involved in the timber industry in Wales and consolidates knowledge from across our team of experts. Understanding stakeholder profiles, preferences and operational contexts helps foster meaningful engagement across the timber supply chain. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder-centric approaches, the timber industry in Wales can capitalise on emerging opportunities, drive economic growth and contribute to environmental stewardship and societal well-being. For more information contact Sarah Lawton.

WoodBUILD24 is now in Swansea this July and registration is open. Sponsors and exhibitors are being signed up. Interested parties are invited to download the Sponsor and Exhibitor pack.

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact Sarah Lawton. For exhibitor enquiries, please contact Rachel Cook.

WoodBUILD 2024

Co-creating a resilient timber value chain

The climate crisis continues to intensify. Our natural and built environments need to adapt to change rapidly. More and more societies see forests and timber construction as a bigger part of the solution to decarbonising our built environment. At the same time forests are becoming more under pressure from global warming. What does this mean for future building projects? WoodBUILD offers an opportunity to meet with experts from across the forest industries and timber construction sectors to learn, collaborate and be inspired.

Since the first WoodBUILD event in 2016, this conference and expo has become the premium timber industry and low carbon housing event in Wales. This year’s WoodBUILD was bigger and better than ever. For 2024 we organised two-days packed with enticing speakers, exhibitors and a series of presentations, panel discussions, immersive woodland walks, interactive plenary sessions, co-creation workshops and hands-on demonstrations. Join more than 250 industry experts on 2-3 July in Swansea.

Find all presentations below with thanks to our sponsors, exhibitors and participants for making this a wonderful event!

WoodBUILD 2024 engaged timber and construction industry stakeholders in a collaborative effort to build new, multi-disciplinary business opportunities and regenerative solutions.

Presentations

DAY 1: Breaking down boundaries

09:15Welcome to WoodBUILD by Rachel Cook, Woodknowledge Wales
09:30Ministerial address by Huw Irranca-Davies,
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
10:00
Setting the scene with Gary Newman,
CEO, Woodknowledge Wales
10:20Elevator pitches from our sponsors and exhibitors

A presentation and discussion workshop hosted by Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales.
Chair: Elaine Harrison, National Manager Wales, Confor.
Speakers included:
– Kath McNulty, Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
– Andrew Sowerby, Pryor & Rickett Silviculture
– Chris Jones, Woodknowledge Wales
What is sustainable forest management? How is it regulated and certified in Wales? An introductory session for timber users and built environment professionals.

An interactive workshop from our event sponsors, Morgan Sindall Construction. Facilitated by Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales.
Morgan Sindall’s Regenerative Twin project set out to drive change across the construction supply chain from a major contractor’s position. By bringing together a team from a broad range of disciplines within the supply chain the project explored the use and complexities of regenerative materials and their impact on carbon, biodiversity, social justice and capex. This workshop elevated learnings from the project and looks at how we can work towards regenerative construction through our own projects and collaborations.

An interactive workshop hosted by James Moxey, Business Development & Delivery, Woodknowledge Wales and Ceri Loxton, Research Scientist, BioComposites Centre, Bangor University.
The UK is facing a significant challenge in attracting young people into both the forestry, timber manufacturing and construction sectors. This workshop brought together a trans-disciplinary group to work together to develop a better understanding as to how we can inspire young people in the value of the forest industries as providing a meaningful career that represents clear and unambiguous climate action.

Participants joined the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products and members of the ASBP Natural Fibre Insulation Group for a workshop exploring how natural fibre insulation (NFI) can help deliver high performance new build and retrofit buildings.
Chaired by Richard Broad, ASBP.
Speakers included:
– Jasper Meade, PYC Construction
– Martin Twamley, Steico
Natural fibre insulation is now the fastest growing insulation segment in the UK. The workshop highlighted the multiple roles of natural insulation materials, which include thermal performance, moisture control and indoor air quality benefits. The barriers to their widespread adoption was discussed, with a debate on how challenges can be overcome to roll out natural fibre insulation at scale.

A presentation and discussion workshop hosted by Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales and chaired by Rob Thomas, Hiraeth Architecture.
Speakers include:
– Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis, Edinburgh Napier University
– Dr Morwenna Spear, BioComposites Centre
– Phil O’Leary, Filros Timber Consultancy
A unique discussIon around home-grown timber, it’s properties, opportunities, and limitations. Best practice tips and tricks for maximising its potential to decarbonise the built environment.

An interactive session hosted by Dr Diana Waldron, Head of Built Environment, Woodknowledge Wales and facilitated by Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales.
Speakers:
– Tim Martel, AECB 
– Sally Godber, Warm
– Dr Simon Lannon, Welsh School of Architecture
– Nigel Banks, Octopus Energy
Participants discussed the roles of four different building standards and approaches
– AECB CarbonLite, Passivhaus, EPC SAP assessment and ‘ASHP-first’ or ‘systems-first’ approach – with a special focus on delivering new buildings, but also touching on elements of retrofit. This session helped clients and designers navigate the challenging space between ‘fabric-first’ and ‘technology-first’ to deliver more efficient, comfortable, affordable, and sustainable buildings.

Driving change in the social housing sector in Wales
A hybrid event hosted by Steve Cranston, Climate Change and Rural Affairs Group, Welsh Government. Chaired by David Emery, Sector Manager – Digital & Wales, Supply Chain Sustainability School.
Speakers include:
– Mark Davies, CEWales
– Rob Wheaton, Stride Treglown
– Steve Cranston, Delivering Net Zero
This session was aimed at clients, main contractors, timber frame manufacturers, architects and designers, forestry estate managers. It offered an understanding around how the DNZ project will create business opportunities; an opportunity to help overcome obstacles in delivering Net Zero homes; to build relationships with clients and suppliers; and contribute to the DNZ Pattern Book and help shape the content.

A curated, open space, interactive plenary session facilitated by Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales.
Special rapporteurs presented to the room key impressions gathered from across the breakout sessions throughout the day. Delegates and speakers were asked to dive deeper into emerging themes that cut across disciplines and levels of the wood value and construction supply chains. Our aim was to turn thoughts into action. Prepare for impact!

Delegates were introduced to the CWIC workshop and its Building Performance PODs, built specifically to provide a hands-on experience. They will help built environment students and other learners to better understand what constitutes good fabric performance which is a critically important new skill needed to create low carbon buildings.

Delegates were shown around the fantastic facilities offered by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s IQ campus buildings, available for hire for multiple event types.

Created by Jamie Brookes at Landspan this incredible bi-lingual immersive woodland experience introduced visitors to the world of immersive film and its application for engagement and visual display of LiDAR maps.

A celebration of the launch of:

  • ‘Timber! How wood can help save the word from climate breakdown’ , the new book by Paul Brennan, Director of Public Affairs for the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry and the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries. He also works for Timber Development UK.
  • ‘Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree’, an audiobook and illustrated storybook written in Welsh and English by Jenny Bailey, sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction.

Our guests enjoyed a slap up menu from the Wild & Rare and The Bearded Taco foodtrucks to accompany wine and soft drinks. All served on site at the IQ Building.

DAY 2: Building co-creative relationships

09:30Welcome to day two of WoodBUILD
09:45Keynote speech from Paul King, CEO, Built by Nature
10:00Panel debate: How to create more resilient wood value chains
Chaired by Christiane Lellig, Woodknowledge Wales
Panelist: Paul King, CEO, Built by Nature
Panelist: Darren Jarman, Lowfield Timber Frames
Panelist: Jonathan Poynton, MD, Pontrilas Sawmills
Panelist: Tim Clement, Morgan Sindall Construction

A presentation and discussion workshop hosted by Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales.
Chair: Andrew Sowerby, Pryor & Rickett
Speakers:
– Elaine Harrison from Confor
– Phil Morgan from Sustainable Forest Management and SelectFor
– Chris Jones from Woodknowledge Wales.
How will our forests survive and deliver what society and the built environment need in the context of a rapidly changing climate? A structured debate to discuss the future of UK forest management.

A case study workshop hosted by Dr Diana Waldron, Head of Built Environment, Woodknowledge Wales. Chaired by Seb Laan-Lomas, Associate and Passivhaus Designer, Architype.
Speakers:
– Katherine Adams, Reusefully and ASBP
– Richard Farmer, Gwynedd Council
– Sionned Hughes, Gwynedd Council
– Duncan Baker-Brown, Baker-Brown Studio.
Presentations provided practical examples and discussion around the circular economy in action within schools. The Sustainable Schools’ Challenge case study discussed in this session was Ysgol Bontnewydd.

A member-led workshop chaired by David Hedges, Head of Housing, Woodknowledge Wales. Speakers included:
– Elfed Roberts, Pobl,
– Rob Wheaton, Stride Treglown
– Warren Rowlands, SO Modular.
Gwynfaen, in Penyrheol, is an exemplar social housing development case study for use of timber and timber products to drive down whole life carbon. This session provided an update on progress as the project reaches its halfway point on site.

A second opportunity to enjoy Timber 101.

A presentation and discussion workshop hosted by Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales.
Chair: Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales
Speaker: Gail Merriman, Welsh Government
You heard it here first! Participants found out about the future of Wales’ Timber Industrial Strategy and had their say pre-consultation.

An interactive workshop hosted by James Moxey, Business Development & Delivery, Woodknowledge Wales and Ceri Loxton, Research Scientist, BioComposites Centre, Bangor University.
One route to inspiring young people to pursue a career within the forest industries is to ensure they can access inspiring content, courses and qualifications. This interactive workshop aims to explore and define challenges in these areas and then to develop creative actions for collaboration between people in both the forest industry and the education sectors.

A demonstration and discussion workshop hosted by the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) in collaboration with Clara Koehler, Architect and Embodied Carbon Lead, Woodknowledge Wales. This session will be chaired by Simon Corbey, CEO, ASBP.
Speakers include:
– Katherine Adams, ASBP (Chair)
– Toby Maclean, Allt Environmental
– Richard Broad and Flavie Lowres, ASBP
A demonstration of the ‘Early-Stage Embodied Carbon Tool’ for architects, designers, and housing developers, followed by demonstration of the ‘Carbon Footprint Assessment Tool for Timber Framers and Sawmills’. These timber industry tools are outcomes from the Home-Grown Homes 2 Project. Delegates will be asked to provide user feedback on these prototype tools.

After two days of inspiring presentations, panel discussions, hands-on practice and co-creative workshops, it’s time to reflect on where we go from here. This plenary session critically reviewed conference key points and inspired ongoing action among delegates.

Programme

DAY 1: Breaking down boundaries

Designed to bring together stakeholders from across the timber value chain, provide a safe space to air perspectives, share knowledge, get hands on with new industry tools, and deliver updates on Home-Grown Homes 2.

08:30. Arrivals, refreshments, exhibition and networking

09:15. Plenary 1 – Welcome to WoodBUILD with Ministerial address

Ministerial address by Huw Irranca-Davies,
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
Welcome to Swansea, setting the scene, and elevator pitches from sponsors.

11:00. Refreshments, exhibition and networking

11:30. Breakout sessions
1. Sustainable forest management for built environment professionals
2. From circular towards regenerative construction
3. Future generations in the forest industries (Trees, Timber and Housing)
4. Performance of Natural Fibre Insulation in New Build and Retrofit

13:00. Lunch, exhibition, networking

14:00. Breakout sessions
1. Timber 101 – Making wood work in the built environment
2. Navigating the jungle of competing building standards
3. Delivering Net Zero and the Supply Chain Sustainability School

15:30. Refreshments, exhibition and networking

16:00. Plenary 2 – Pushing boundaries – communities of action
Dive deeper into emerging themes that cut across disciplines

17:45. Wrap up

18:00. Woodknowledge Wales AGM for members (closed session)

19:00. Networking and dinner

DAY 2: Building co-creative relationships

Focusing on bringing communities together and developing collaboration for action. First within traditional streams, then deliberately seeking to cross boundaries and develop the ‘next best step’ towards cross-boundary community projects.

09:00. Arrivals, refreshments, exhibition and networking

10:00. Plenary 3 – Rising to tomorrow’s challenges
Keynote from Paul King, CEO, Built by Nature and industry panel debate

11:00. Refreshments, exhibition and networking

11:30. Breakout sessions
1. Managing forests in a changing climate
2. Circular economy and the Sustainable Schools’ Challenge
3. Gwynfaen: a case study for timber frame social housing
4. Timber 101 (take 2) – Making wood work in the built environment

13:00. Lunch,exhibition and networking

14:00. Breakout session
1. Timber Industrial Strategy: Making wood work for Wales
2. Inspiring future generations
3. Development of embodied carbon and footprint assessment tools

15:30. Plenary 4 – Mission possible. Where do we go from here?
Reflection, critical review, and future actions

16:00. Conference close

Speaker list

Minsterial address and keynote speaker

Huw Irranca-Davies
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newid Hinsawdd

Huw Irranca-Davies worked in public and private sector management and as a Senior Lecturer in Higher Education before entering politics. In February 2002 he was elected as the Labour MP for Ogmore in a parliamentary by-election, a seat which he held until 2016 when he was duly elected as the Assembly Member for Ogmore at the National Assembly for Wales.

During the Sixth Senedd he has held a number of positions, including Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Chair of the Strategic Forum for Regional Investment in Wales and also Chaired the Special Purpose Committee on Senedd Reform.  He was also a member of a number of Cross Party Groups, holding Chair and Vice Chair roles for several.

In March 2024 Huw was appointed to the Welsh Government as Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.

Paul King
CEO, Built by Nature

Paul King joined Built by Nature as CEO after serving as Managing Director, Sustainability and Social Impact, Lendlease Europe, since February 2015.

Previously he was the founding CEO of the UK Green Building Council, May 2007 – January 2015. Before that he worked for WWF-UK as Director of Campaigns, Campaign Director for WWF’s One Million Sustainable Homes campaign and co-founder of One Planet Living.

Paul is a Director of BeOnsite, a not-for-profit organisation that supports people furthest from work into sustained employment, and a Design Council Expert Specialist in the areas of sustainability and net zero carbon. Between February 2017 and February 2023, he was a trustee and Vice Chair of the Board of Centre for London, the city’s only dedicated think tank.

Paul was Chairman of the public/private sector Zero Carbon Hub 2008 – 2016 and a member of the Zero Carbon Homes 2016 Task Force, established by the UK Government to translate the zero carbon homes policy ambition into reality. He was a member of the UK Government’s Green Construction Board and Chair of its Buildings Working Group. He was also a member of the Low Carbon Construction IGT, Sustainable Buildings Task Group, Code for Sustainable Homes Steering Group and the Egan Review of Skills for Sustainable Communities, all commissioned by the UK Government. On an international level, he was a member of the Board of the World Green Building Council and Chair of the WorldGBC Europe Network 2007 – 2014.

Industry debate panelists

Tim Clement
Morgan Sindall Construction
Tim’s role is to make a positive difference on climate change and the wider ecological crisis by changing the way projects are designed and built, empowering teams to realise customers’ sustainability aspirations. In addition, he leads the social value activities across the business to support our customers to achieve long-term social value in their communities. With a background in design management, he studied Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment at the University of Cambridge, with a focus on the empirical and sociological aspects of the whole life carbon footprint of buildings. Tim also sits on the carbon and energy action panel for Morgan Sindall Group, and has been instrumental in creating CarboniCa, Morgan Sindall’s whole life carbon assessment tool for construction projects.

Charlotte Hale
Company Director, SO Modular

Charlotte is the multi award winning entrepreneur and Director of SO Modular, a company that specialises in off-site timber construction and Lean manufacturing processes.

Paul King
CEO, Built by Nature

Paul is our keynote speaker.
Please see his full biography above.

Jonathan Poynton
MD, Pontrilas Group
Pontrilas Sawmills are one of the largest processors of Welsh Timber. The company has two Sawmills:
Softwood Mill processing up to 9000m3 per week it is a High Volume/High Yield mill, producing timber for Construction, fencing, packaging and industry.
Hardwood mill cuts primarily Oak, Beech, Ash alongside other native species. Additionally Pontrilas Packaging is part of the group is the largest Wooden Packaging producer in Wales

Chair: Christiane Lellig
Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change
Woodknowledge Wales
Christiane Lellig specialises in systems change and sustainability communications, Christiane has been working as a strategic marketing consultant in Switzerland, Germany and the UK since 1999. She has led national research and behaviour change programmes in various domains ranging from environmental concerns to labour and social justice issues, and has been responsible for the UK timber industry’s marketing campaign Wood for Good since 2016. Her particular interests lie in questions around society in transition, planning and land-use, biodiversity, low carbon housing and sustainable transport.

Speakers

Katherine Adams
Technical Director, Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) and Director, Reusefully
Katherine has over 20 years’ experience in sustainability and materials, mostly in the construction sector. She has recently completed a PhD at Loughborough University, looking at how a circular economy can be embedded in the building sector. Working with the ASBP, she provides her expertise to the development and implementation of projects, working groups and to members. She is the owner of Reusefully Ltd, which works across the value chain to implement circular economy solutions with a focus on enabling high value reuse and recycling. She regular works with Government providing policy and strategy advice.  

Duncan Baker-Brown
Founder, BakerBrown
Duncan is a practicing architect, academic and environmental activist. Author of ‘The Re-Use Atlas: a designer’s guide towards a circular economy’ published by RIBA, (second edition due July 2024) he has practised, researched, and taught around issues of sustainable development and closed-looped systems for more than 25 years. He recently founded BakerBrown, a research-led architectural practice and consultancy created to address the huge demands presented by the climate and ecological emergency as well as the challenges of designing in a post-COVID world. 

Nigel Banks
Technical Director (Zero Bills & Low Carbon Homes),
Octopus Energy
Nigel is renowned among peers for his ‘Fabric Fifth’ recommendations that reorder priorities for designers and developers. He is passionate about improving our homes to benefit our health, our wallets and our planet. Having worked in housing design, construction and manufacturing, Nigel now leads Octopus Energy’s work in making Zero Bills the new standard for housing in the UK and around the world. Octopus Energy uses technology to bring lower and more transparent pricing, better service and more sustainable energy to customers globally.

Richard Broad
Director, The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products
Richard has been in the sustainability industry for over a decade, working for a number of progressive sustainability organisations and programmes under the Sustainable Development Foundation umbrella including the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP), Building Performance Network, Good Homes Alliance (GHA), Passivhaus Trust and Shine Healthcare Network.

Steve Cranston
Co-lead, Delivering Net Zero
Steve co leads Delivering Net Zero project – a  collaboration of 22 Welsh social landlords who are working to use their aggregated pipeline demand to bring forward the next generation of off site manufactured homes that will achieve a step change in carbon performance.

He is a proud grandad and enjoys being outdoors – walking, gardening and sailing.

Simon Corbey
CEO, The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products
Simon is a Chartered Surveyor, with a Masters in Architecture; Advanced Energy and Environmental Systems from UEL/CAT with a thesis on the BedZED lessons. He worked at Construction Resources (London’s first green building store); BioRegional, based at BedZed, where his duties included a LCA of B&Qs product range and setting up One Planet Products. Simon has worked under the umbrella organisation of the Sustainable Development Foundation, initially working for the Good Homes Alliance and now working for the ASBP to enable real change in the industry and help deliver low carbon healthy buildings. His work with the ASBP concentrates on seminars and learning events but also includes liaising with members and involvement with policy.

Mark Davies
Board Director, Constructing Excellence in Wales
Mark is Director of CE Wales and a Board Member at Cadwyn Housing Association. Constructing Excellence in Wales is the united voice of the Welsh built environment sector, representing each part of its supply chain. They work with all different elements of construction with both large and small organisations in the public and private sectors to help the industry to improve its performance to deliver better quality and value for money to its clients and end users.

Anna Dauksta
Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales
Anna is passionate about creating a future where individuals, communities and businesses across Wales and the UK have a deeper understanding of the vital part forestry and timber can play in improving the sustainability of our built and natural environments.
Anna has had a varied career working in a range of environmental and educational roles including Aberystwyth University, Tir Coed and A Greener Future. She is committed to helping people and the environment during a time of ecological and economical crisis.

Dainis Dauksta
Specialist Advisor Wood Science, Woodknowledge Wales
Dainis is MD of Wood Science Ltd, consultant and researcher for WKW and a visiting wood science lecturer for City and Guilds London School of Art. Dainis has worked in the field of forestry and design of timber structures for more than 25 years. With Woodknowledge Wales, LCRI and BRE Dainis has completed over 10,000 hours of research and published six major reports which demonstrate the potential for and desirability of using homegrown softwoods in construction. Dainis has co-authored the book “New Perspectives on People and Forests” with Eva Ritter.

Richard Farmer
Gwynedd Council
Richard Farmer is a Project and Programme Manager with a career that has spanned the Educational, Environmental and Local Government sectors, focussing increasingly on grant funded capital programmes in the Construction sector. With Gwynedd he has been project manager to the Property Development Unit, which was established to run the county’s 21st Century Schools programme and has won awards with CEW, CLAW and RTPI, including CEW Client of the Year in 2021.

Dr Zachary Gill
Director, SOAP Retrofit Ltd
Zachary is a building performance expert, working and challenging the field of low-energy domestic buildings for over 15 years. In 2019, Zack established his own building performance consultancy, SOAP Retrofit Ltd, to continue championing real-world measurement techniques and developing science-based retrofit approaches. He also leads the Energiesprong UK team on performance measurement and technical design. He co-authored the British Standard on Building Performance Evaluation (BS40101:2022), is a steering committee member for PAS 2035, and is a Mentor for The Retrofit Academy.

Sally Godber
Director, Warm
Sally is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Passivhaus Certifier and a member of the UK Technical Panel reporting to the Passivhaus Institut, Germany. She set up WARM with her dad in 2009 to deal with the performance gap she saw in her own projects and continues to be fascinated by understanding faults and how to improve upon them. She will talk to anyone who will listen about this, which led to setting up Coaction CIC training alongside other leading professionals.

Elaine Harrison
National Manager for Wales, Confor
Elaine joined Confor in 2023. She previously spent more than five years with Natural Resources Wales (Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru), working on forest operations and delivering sustainable management of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. Elaine represented NRW on the FISA chainsaw working group and chaired the internal restocking and establishment group. She is a council member and trustee of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), and last year Elaine took part in the ICF emerging leaders programme. She studied for her MSc in Forestry at Bangor University. Her goal is to improve and expand forestry in Wales.

David Hedges

David Hedges
Head of Housing, Woodknowledge Wales
David is Head of Housing. He joined the team in 2018 with 30 years’ experience of the social housing and environmental sectors in Wales. He ran his own freelance consultancy for ten years, working mostly with housing associations. He previously worked with Community Housing Cymru, Wales & West Housing and the Prince of Wales’ Committee. He lives in Carmarthenshire in a timber frame and timber clad home he built with his partner.

Sioned Hughes
Project Manager, Cyngor Gwynedd
Sioned Hughes is an experienced Project Manager facilitating project development and progress from initiation to completion within the Education Department at Cyngor Gwynedd. Sioned has an extensive portfolio managing capital projects within the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. Before joining the Local Authority, Sioned worked as a Marketing and Recruitment Officer for Bangor University, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and organising events promoting Higher Education throughout Wales and the north west of England.

Richard Jack
Technical Director, Build Test Solutions
Richard is an expert in measuring the thermal performance of buildings and Build Test Solutions’ Technical Director. Richard has a background in academic research and delivering retrofit measures for a main contractor, he uses this experience to find and develop new tools which make measurement easier and more cost effective so that measurement can be a normal part of asset management, quality assurance and feedback processes.

Chris Jones
Independent Specialist Advisor Forestry, Woodknowledge Wales
Chris is an independent specialist forestry advisor for WKW. He has over 35 years’ experience of woodland management in Wales previously working for Forestry Commission Wales, Forest Research and Natural Resources Wales. Chris has specialised in understanding and using silviculture to enable the development and management of resilient and sustainable woodlands. Critically he is able to provide the knowledge that links the trees Wales grows, the environment they grow in and the products from the woodlands.

Seb Laan Lomas
Architype
Seb’s passion for timber in construction has driven him to tackling the challenges and opportunities that the industry faces, from fire and water to circular design considerations. He sits on various timber industry groups including the England Government’s Inter-departmental Timber in Construction working group and the Timber Development UK’s sustainability committee and carbon sub-committee.  He has peer-reviewed publications including the LETI Climate Emergency Design Guide and a TDUK paper on assessing the carbon-related impacts and benefits of timber in construction products and buildings.

Dr Simon Lannon
Welsh School of Architecture
Simon has developed techniques to investigate the retrofit of homes to improve the energy efficiency and internal conditions. This research has considered energy use at the different scales of the built environment, from individual buildings, neighbourhoods and to regions. These techniques have been used to map fuel poverty and model decarbonisation pathways for the Welsh housing stock, and to provide evidence for Welsh Government housing policy.

Toby Maclean
Specialist Advisor Construction, Woodknowledge Wales
Toby is a structural engineer with a diverse career engineering everything from oil platforms and concert halls to handbags.  He established the successful TALL Engineers in 2005 that went on to build a reputation for providing practical yet technically sophisticated and holistic solutions to diverse projects in the built environment and concentrating on design from first principles, with the firm increasingly concentrating on timber as a structural material.  Having sold this firm, in 2020 Toby established Allt Environmental to atone for past carbon sins and to address the urgent need to decarbonise the built environment especially in relation to embodied carbon.

Tim Martel
AECB Standards & Certification Scheme Programme Manager
Tim is the Standards & Certification Scheme Programme Manager and an expert in CO2 calculations for buildings. He qualified as a Passivhaus Designer in 2012 and worked on new build, retrofit, domestic and commercial PHPP models. For several years he contributed data for the AECB Retrofit course. Later he also qualified as a Retrofit Coordinator and coordinated 90 retrofits in London. As well as looking after the CarbonLite Certifiers, he also maintains and updates the AECB’s PHribbon software, combining his experience in PHPP with earlier work in research and as a programmer.

Kath McNulty
Team leader, Forest Operations, Natural Resources Wales
Kath has been a team leader of forest operations with Natural Resource Wales (NRW) since 2022. She has previously worked for the Forestry Commission, with work including community engagement and dealing with PAWS restoration. Kath is however, arguably best known for her five-year stint as national manager for Wales at Confor. Impressively, Kath has spent six years sailing around the world.

Jasper Meade
Founder, Pen Y Coed Construction and Insulation Ltd
Jasper has been in partnership with his brother, Ben Meade, since 1993, founding Pen Y Coed Construction and Insulation Ltd. His 25 years of experience working in the sustainable building industry and specialism in timber frame systems using Warmcel cellulose fibre insulation and other blown fibre insulation products, has developed his company’s extensive knowledge in this field.  Through embedded learning processes, continual improvements on design and quality building detailing, ensure that their buildings standards and performances reach best possible values. His willingness to serve on the Wood knowledge Wales board  demonstrates his passion for the sustainable of the construction Industry.

Gail Merriman
Head of Timber Industrial Strategy, Welsh Government
Gail has over twenty years of experience working in rural development, both on policy and delivery. Gail worked on three successive Rural Development Programmes, including as Head of Drafting and Negotiations for the Rural Development Programme for Wales 2014-2020. Gail holds a Post-graduate Diploma in Forestry from Bangor University and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. She is currently leading the drafting of Wales’s first Timber Industrial Strategy. Gail has previously worked for Welsh Government in tree health policy, resource efficiency and circular economy. She holds a Post-graduate Certificate in Rural Community Development from University of Wales and has worked within Welsh Government on supply-chain development, innovation and community-led local development schemes, including LEADER, for two decades.

Phil Morgan
Specialist forestry consultant (CCF), Sustainable Forest Management (SFM)
Phil manages forests in Wales and is a specialist forestry consultant in continuous cover forestry (CCF) working all over Great Britain and Ireland. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) has a wide client base which includes investment forestry clients, NGOs, community groups, NRW, small private woodland and farm woodland owners. Phil runs marteloscope training courses in individual tree selection in Wales. Phil is a past chairman of CCFG and past president of Pro Silva. He is vice-president of the AFI and chairman of the Irregular Silviculture Network (ISN). He is a French speaker and has translated an important irregular forestry text book into English.

James Moxey
Business Development & Delivery, Woodknowledge Wales
James Moxey has a background in academia working at the University of Manchester and the University of Wales. He was Director of the Creative Industries Research and Innovation Centre based in Swansea. He has been the Director of a number of Welsh Government sponsored knowledge transfer centre projects, managed feasibility studies and overseen R&D collaborative projects with Welsh companies. His main focus is enterprise and innovation which means securing funding and providing leadership for innovation projects with a focus on SME growth.

Gary Newman
Chief Executive, Woodknowledge Wales
Gary is the Chief Executive of Woodknowledge Wales and co-founder and board member of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products. Gary is a construction engineer by training and early career. After completing a wood technology masters, Gary spent some formative years at the at the BioComposites Centre in Bangor as a researcher where he became inspired by the technical possibilities of bio-materials. In 1995, Gary established a fully integrated hemp and flax processing plant in North Wales and contracted the growing of industrial fibre crops on farms in England and Wales. Over the following 20 years Gary was responsible for developing and manufacturing a range of bio-products including horticultural and automotive nonwovens, hemp particleboard and hemp fibre insulation supplied through B&Q.

Phil O’Leary 
Director, Filros Timber Consultancy
Phil provides specialist independent consultancy across the timber sector. Previously, he was head of Timber Consultancy at BM TRADA, the technical authority behind TRADA. With over 30 years of post-qualifying experience, Phil has published in local and international journals about wood science. Phil is also chairman of BSI’s Wood Preservation Committee and a member of the Wood Protection Association’s Technical Committee. As one of the UK’s leading authorities for Visual Strength Grading, Phil specialises in condition surveys of historic buildings, performance assessments and determining the structural strength, quality, performance characteristics, deterioration and preservation of timber. He also serves as an expert witness and develops and presents bespoke timber training.

Elfed Roberts
Head of Sustainability and Innovation, Pobl
As Pobl’s Head of Sustainability and Innovation Elfed has led on Gwynfaen, one of Wales’ most innovative housing projects. He has designed Pobl’s new home sustainability and decarbonisation strategy and works with colleagues on its delivery and to ensure new low carbon homes are commercially viable, comfortable, affordable, and easy to maintain. Elfed’s 30-year career as a chartered architect encompasses sustainability, architecture, housing development, urban design, historic building conservation, and urban regeneration.

Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis
Head of the Centre for Wood Science and Technology, Edinburgh Napier University
Dan is one of the UK’s technical experts on guessing the strength of wood and can talk for hours on the topic – which he frequently does if nobody stops him. His main area of research is understanding the properties of wood, and how they are influenced by tree growth, forest management, and climate. He represents the UK at European Standards Committees for grading of construction timber, and the majority of structural sawn timber produced in the UK is now graded with settings he developed. He was named “woodland hero” for 2016 by Grown in Britain, and is also active in online learning, public engagement and science communication. He was the lead organiser of Bright Club Edinburgh from 2011 to 2023.

Warren Rowlands
Head of Production & Technical Efficiency, Sevenoaks Modular
Having grown up on the family farm Warren has a background in the recycling of precious metals and has worked in the offsite construction industry for over 20 years. He is a specialist design consultant and is responsible for Modular, Timber Frame, Truss, Eco Joist and closed panel systems for manufacture varying from simple to very complex structures, incorporating MMC & DFMA requirements.

Andrew Sowerby
Operations Director – West, Pryor & Rickett Silviculture
Andrew has 25 years’ experience managing public, private and third sector woodlands in Wales. He leads a team of forest managers in Wales and West England and is the elected Vice President of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. He is a member of the Confor committee in Wales and regularly represents them at meetings in the Senedd with other land-use bodies. Andrew’s experience of leading teams, developing operational guidance, and engaging stakeholders has focussed his attention on forest management planning and the development of regional operational programmes; key outcomes for delivering sustainable woodland management at scale and increasing society’s trust in our profession which in turn will give us licence to deliver more on their behalf. 

Dr Morwenna Spear
Research Fellow, BioComposites Centre
Morwenna has worked at the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University for over 15 years, conducting research into timber and a wide range of bio-based materials. She has worked with companies to scale up new technologies and processes, increase efficiency, reduce waste and to assess materials performance. She is a fellow of the IOM3, Chair of the Wood Technology Society. Morwenna is active in research into novel timber treatments; the physical, thermal, and chemical properties of wood. She is also working on energy efficient buildings and researching the environmental effects of materials and objects such as disposable and reusable facemasks.

Dr Robert Thomas
Director, Architect and Certified Passivhaus Designer, Hiraeth Architecture
Rob’s slick and sophisticated work at Hiraeth covers projects large and small across Wales and wider afield; from historic castles, to landmark visitor centres, to beautifully bespoke houses, to low-energy, high performance offsite manufactured whole building systems. Rob’s work with Hiraeth truly celebrates the use of timber in construction from offsite manufactured homeless shelter proposals to ground-breaking multi-unit housing schemes built in Wales using Welsh-timber based volumetric construction techniques. Rob is also a tutor and critic at the Welsh School of Architecture.

Martin Twamley
Technical Director, STEICO UK Ltd
Martin is the Technical Director of STEICO UK Ltd who are a subsidiary of STEICO SE, the world’s largest producer of wood fibre insulation. Martin trained as Architectural Technician, working on numerous projects across Europe, and has been involved in the supply, design and specification of both structural timber products and natural insulation materials for over 30 years. He has also been a guest lecturer on various EU funded skills workshops, which promote the use of natural and sustainable building processes. In his spare time Martin is actively involved with The Conservation Volunteers who aim to connect communities with the green spaces around them.

Dr Diana Waldron
Head of Built Environment, Woodknowledge Wales
Diana is an Architectural Engineer with a BEng (Hons), a Master’s Degree in Environmental Design of Buildings and a Doctorate Degree from the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University. She led the building performance evaluation workpackage of the Home-Grown Homes project (Phase 1) and she continues to lead this area of research for the second phase. 

Rob Wheaton
Associate Director Architect, Stride Treglown
Rob is fascinated by designing buildings that are responsive to their context and strive for the highest level in sustainable design. He is an architect leading residential and mixed-use projects run from our Cardiff studio. With vast experience of designing and delivering innovative housing, he is adept at steering projects through complex planning processes and advising clients on design with a view to creating something truly transformative. Rob is also a qualified Passivhaus designer.


Sponsors and supporters

We currently remain open to sponsor and exhibitor enquiries.

Please find our sponsor and exhibitor pack here.

Exhibitors

The BioComposites Centre at Bangor University offers services at every point in the research, development and commercial application of biomaterials technology.

BlockBuild is a construction system that drives innovation and sustainability through end-to-end digital manufacturing technologies and seamless collaboration.

Buckland Timber is a manufacturer offering a wide range of sustainable timber species, including locally grown. Their glulam is designed and manufactured in Devon.

Celtic Offsite is a manufacturer offering high quality, sustainable timber frame structures complete with factory fitted insulation and windows.

CWIC is an innovation centre with a mission to help the construction sector become a Net Zero industry, champion new technologies and help future-proof skills.

Down to Earth is a social enterprise who use award-winning well-being/education programmes to create remarkable buildings with natural materials.

Hemp Block is a manufacturer of hemp blocks for use in building construction and offering numerous benefits that go beyond traditional construction materials.

Kronospan is a manufacturer of wood-based panels offering products from furniture and interior design to timber-framed houses, building facades and flooring. 

Landscan UK is a licensed, qualified UAV operator, specialising in remote sensing data collection, photogrammetry and GIS augmentation. 

Lowfield Timber Frames is a timber frame manufacturer suppling a wide range of customers from self-builders, local small builders to large regional and national developers.

MDF Recovery provides technology for manufacturers, processors and retailers seeking to implement a sustainable and circular solution to end-of-life MDF. 

Morgan Sindall Construction is a construction & regeneration group with a vision is to be the most sought-after and sustainable business in the industry.

PYC Construction is a timber frame manufacturer that develop, manufacture, and erect high quality systems to produce sustainable, low energy home.

SO Modular is a timber frame manufacturer that design, supply and erect timber frame homes, apartment blocks, retail outlets or education establishments.

Tickets

Full priceEarly Bird*
Two-day ticket£200£100
One-day ticket£150£75
WKW members (two-day pass with AGM)£100£70
Students**£50n/a
Conference barbecue 2 July£30n/a

*Early bird ticket offer ends 30 April 2024.
** Limited availability. Please note: For student tickets only bookings made from an academic email address are accepted.
All tickets give access to both conference and exhibition.

How we get there

Planning to arrive via public transport or car? Find out how to get there here.

Swansea campus is made up of multiple locations across the city.  A dynamic and thriving hub of education and innovation, nestled within the vibrant city known for its breathtaking coastal beauty and rich cultural heritage.

To ensure your smooth arrival and easy navigation around our campuses, please use the University’s “How to Find Us” page to provide you with all the information you need.  Whether you’re travelling from near or far, our goal is to ensure that your arrival is as stress-free as possible.

Parking

On site parking is free at the campus but you must register your vehicle prior to the event. You can pre-register your vehicle using the QR code below. The QR code will only be effective for the 2nd and 3rd July. If you park outside of these dates, then you will receive a parking ticket. Those who wish to set up their exhibitor stands on the evening of the 1st you will need to register your vehicle on campus in reception on arrival. Someone from WKW will be there to assist you.

Please note that parking on campus is ample but we encourage where possible for attendees to use public transport, cycle or arrive on foot.

University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD),

IQ Campus University of Wales, Swansea Waterfront, Trinity Waterfront, Swansea SA1 8EW

Accommodation options

Hotels Website links 
Premier Inn SA1https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/wales/glamorgan/swansea/swansea-waterfront.html
Village Hotel SA1 Swansea Marina Hotel With Parking | Village Hotels (village-hotels.co.uk)
Dragon HotelThe Dragon Hotel | Boutique & Luxury Hotels In Swansea | Hotel Accommodation in Swansea City Centre (dragon-hotel.co.uk)
Morgans Hotel https://www.morganshotel.co.uk/
Towers Hotel 70 Bedroom Hotel, Restaurant, Spa & Wedding Venue | Towers Hotel & Spa Swansea (thetowersswanseabay.com)
Ibis Hotel https://all.accor.com/hotel/6653/index.en.shtml
Travel Lodgehttps://www.travelodge.co.uk/search/results?location=Swansea&lat=&long=&action=amend&checkIn=&rooms%5B0%5D%5Badults%5D=1&rooms%5B0%5D%5Bchildren%5D=0&gclid=1ba1147bcb7515b8aa387277d44c5f0e&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=1ba1147bcb7515b8aa387277d44c5f0e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK+-+Brand+-+Exact+-+T3+-+South+-+Swansea+-+Location&utm_term=travelodge+swansea&utm_content=Brand+%2B+Location&sb=1
MarriotMicrosoft Bing Travel – Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
Grand hotel Hotels in Swansea City Centre | Grand Hotel Swansea | Wales (thegrandhotelswansea.co.uk)

Home-Grown Homes 2 Update

by

November 2023

This update has been prepared by David Hedges, our Head of Housing and the Home-Grown Homes 2 project manager

David Hedges

New Personnel

This month, the Woodknowledge Wales Team has been boosted by the appointment of two new members. 

Flora Seddon has been appointed as the third of researchers by Bangor University and will focus on delivering the Project’s work to scale up farm forestry through collective and collaborative management’. Collective management of dispersed small-scale farm woodlands will be essential for addressing society’s demand for timber which is set to triple over the next thirty years. Flora will explore how geographically dispersed farm woodlands can be managed collectively to overcome the scaling issues of farm-level timber production and how forest products can be collaboratively marketed. She will focus on the UK (and Wales specifically) but draw on examples of collective management of small-scale forestry abroad.

Toby Maclean has joined the team as Specialist Advisor Construction and will be supporting us in delivering those elements of the Project focussed on carbon analysis and reduction. Toby is a structural engineer with a diverse career engineering everything from oil platforms and concert halls to handbags.  He established the successful TALL Engineers in 2005 that went on to build a reputation for providing practical yet technically sophisticated and holistic solutions to diverse projects in the built environment and concentrating on design from first principles, with the firm increasingly concentrating on timber as a structural material.  Having sold this firm, in 2020 Toby established Allt Environmental to atone for past carbon sins and to address the urgent need to decarbonise the built environment especially in relation to embodied carbon. Since Allt was established, Toby has mixed project work, research and consultancy, with a focus in understanding the environmental impacts of timber in construction.

Sawmill sustainability

Our work with sawmills across Wales continues with further engagement with mills to see new investment, support collective action of NRW timber sales and tackle challenges like the lack of hauliers and weighbridges.  Partners ASBP and GHA are making good progress on the development of carbon tools for timber processors, timber manufacturers, designers and clients and we are looking to work with a number of our members on Building Performance Evaluation on projects that are nearing completion on site, before the current ‘heating season’ ends in March next year. (I don’t think we can refer to the CoPs anymore because of the risk that we’ll be accused of double funding!

The Skills and Recruitment Review

We have seen the completion of the first main project output – a review of education and training in forestry and advanced manufacturing and the emerging conclusions around the following issues which featured in all of the stakeholder interviews James Moxey and Ceri Loxton have carried out over the past few months:

1.   Awareness: gaining the attention of wider society to the role that forestry and low-carbon construction play in decarbonising Welsh society;
2.   Interest: focusing on the incentives that will encourage people to consider starting their careers within the sectors;
3.   Access: create the appropriate learning pathways to get the best training and develop the skills needed; and

4.   Workforce: support entrants to the sector by creating opportunities to gain experience, employment, and Continuing Professional Development.

There are recommendations to address the skills and recruitment gaps and interestingly there are challenges, causes and potential solutions common to both sectors. The report is going to be circulated for comment to the stakeholders and the feedback will be reviewed in December.

Wales’ first Timber Industrial Strategy

This will take shape next year with a consultation by the Climate Change Minister Julie James MS which will align with other initiatives like the Delivering Net Zero Project and the Net Zero Skills Action Plan for example. As part of the Project, we are supporting the development of the Strategy and we are currently putting together a series of case studies which will be incorporated into the consultation document. These will focus on growers, processors, manufacturers and clients.

Procurement

Currently public procurement practice presents a challenge to the development of offsite manufactured advanced timber systems and to the delivery of net zero carbon homes manufactured in Wales. This problem has been articulated by the Welsh timber frame manufacturing members of Woodknowledge Wales and summarised below.

Facing the problem

Current procurement practice is based predominantly upon cost and risk management. The
risk is initially transferred from the housing client to the main contractor via a Design & Build contract. The successful tenderer typically disaggregates some liabilities into discrete parcels and then passes risk onto sub-contractors. As a result, manufacturers are engaged too late to influence design that would ensure performance outcomes. Potential financial, speed and quality gains are rarely fully realised. Profit margins for manufacturers remain very low and the lack of continuity in relationship between client and supplier hinders continuous development to evolve manufacturing.

Find the full problem statement here.

Value-Based Procurement

Despite perceptions of the contrary, current regulations are actually designed to support procurement of Net Zero Carbon homes. Whether it is a long term strategic collaborative procurement, or a single client contract to build 5-20 houses, above or below procurement threshold levels, the regulations can and should be applied to protect our future generations.

Value-Based Procurement is a method that goes beyond timing, price and quality, aligning with Government policies and corporate priorities, which put outcomes and impacts on future generations at the heart of our procurement and commissioning strategies.

This diagram depicts the regulatory elements that enable a Net Zero Carbon procurement strategy.

Guidance

Find all regulations and how to apply them in a Value-Based Procurement approach in this guidance document.

It is designed to help procurement professionals and commissioners demonstrate how Net Zero Carbon can be specified as a core requirement of housing developments. This includes a look at supply chain relationships and how these can shift from the current norm of design and build to one that allows the commissioning client more control over the process and outcome.
The guidance is intended to be a helpful reference tool, from early supplier involvement to through to supplier relationship  management – so that delivering Net Zero Carbon homes is at the heart of housing procurement decision making.

DOWNLOAD GUIDANCE DOCUMENT →

Masterclass

Procurement expert Simon Griffiths demonstrates how public procurers can use existing regulations as enablers for procurement of net zero carbon housing and to award contracts to suppliers, under the principles of openness, transparency, and non-discrimination. It provides full insight into relevant regulations, and how they can be applied when designing your supply chain to achieve a Net Zero Carbon outcome.

Communities of Practice

“Whatever the problem, community is the answer”—Margaret J. Wheatley

Over recent years, systems change researchers and practitioners have concluded that building coalitions and working collaboratively is the only way to face the complex issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and social injustice. Yet, most of our business interactions are coined by competitive culture.

Communities of Practice (CoP) promote an open and collaborative approach which enables the participation of a diverse network of organisations, both across supply chains as well as within trades.

Our CoPs gather professionals of the same trade or supply chain level around a shared challenge or opportunity. They are an essential part of our work, guiding what we focus upon as well as informing and validating outputs across our projects. This approach helps to extend impacts and accelerate shared learning within and across the supply chain.

Our CoPs are centred around practical solutions and capacity building and give members the opportunity to prototype innovative approaches together with others. Each community defines its own agenda and schedule of actions based on the needs of its members. Woodknowledge Wales ensures flow of information between CoPs, so that we can progress together.

Join us today to participate in one of our Communities of Practice.

Coming out of the Home-Grown Homes project the community enables members to collaborate in the development of net zero carbon homes, to tackle barriers, promote learning and skills, share experience and encourage the use of tools, techniques and the use of timber in social housing. We’re looking forward to establishing a sister community for asset managers looking at optimised retrofit solutions in 2022.

Lead contact: David Hedges, Diana Waldron

Set up as a catalyst by and for the Welsh architectural community to deliver skills and knowledge to address the climate emergency, members meet bi-monthly. The community facilitates collaboration to support Welsh architects developing low carbon buildings within Wales and the rest of the UK. Its work focuses on overcoming the challenges preventing the development of low carbon buildings as well as supporting clients in creating clear roadmaps to deliver net zero whole life carbon developments.

Lead contacts: Diana Waldron, Clara Koehler

Our longest standing community brings together the majority of timber frame manufacturers in Wales. The focus is on overcoming procurement challenges to supplying zero carbon advanced timber systems, technical innovation and Welsh timber supply as well as enabling joint delivery and bidding processes in the context of social housing.

Lead contacts: Gary Newman, Christiane Lellig 

Since summer 2021 small scale sawmillers meet every 4-6 weeks to discuss issues around log supply and demand, species selection, kiln drying, business models and technical support. Current activities revolve around building a cooperative buying group to source quality timber from the national and private estates.

Lead contacts: John Sweeny, Christiane Lellig 

Joiners Community of Practice

Launched in 2023, the community of practice for joinery will create a safe space that allows everyone to discuss common opportunities and shared concerns. From recruitment into the construction sector, to access to joinery grade timber we shall exchange knowledge and collaborate on potential solutions.

Open to all in the Welsh joinery industry. Participation is free.

Lead contacts: Gary Newman, Christiane Lellig 

Lead contacts

David Hedges

Diana Waldron

James Moxey

Gary Newman

Christiane Lellig

John Sweeny

Community news

Housing’s better future

Social Housing Developers Community of Practice members enjoy a hosted tour to include both off-site creation of timber frame panels and on-site progress at the…
Read More

From forest to facade: WoodBUILD 2024 insights for design innovators

Highlights from this year’s event to give you a quick hit of the latest in timber construction from the perspective of design and architecture.
Read More

Discovering how cooperation benefits small timber processing

Read the report from our recent Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS) study tour for the Sawmillers CoP
Read More

Tasty takeaways from a day demystifying building standards 

Tasty takaways from a day demystifying building performance standards 
Read More

CoPs come together in Swansea

CoPs come together in Swansea | 25 April | On site and online
Read More

Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS) study tour

Discover how cooperation benefits small timber processing. Limited spaces available. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Read More

5 Essential Strategies for an Emerging Forest Nation

Wales is not a forest nation. Wales is a sheep, beef and dairy nation. Wales is a steel nation.

Like many nations, Wales is the economic country it is, not by political design but largely because of historical accident. Additionally, Wales has been held back by financial subsidies that have maintained the status quo; particularly but not exclusively through the Common Agriculture Policy and the fashion for laissez-faire economic policies. A more purposeful approach is required to achieve the net zero carbon goals set by Welsh Government.

We have now left the European Union. We have declared a Climate Emergency. There has never been a better time or more reason to change.  

We are proposing five integrated strategies how Wales can achieve a just transition to become a high-value forest nation. A transition that would create substantial employment – particularly in rural areas – and a transition for which Wales has many natural advantages.

BRIEFING PAPER →

Strategy 1: Construction

Introduce policies to deliver net zero whole life carbon construction

Welsh Government should adopt a clear framework for delivery of net zero carbon housing by changing the Welsh Building Regulations. This framework aligns with the Net Zero Whole Life Carbon definitions developed by the World Green Building Council and aligns with the RIBA 2030 challenge. Clear policies focused on delivering this framework to decarbonise construction will lead to a substantial increase in demand for timber. The following requirements should be introduced in full into the Welsh building regulations for all new developments announced in 2021 and fully implemented by 2025. Social housing new build should with Welsh Government grant be first exemplars of the efficacy of the new regulations.

Policy Recommendations

Timber is the exemplar low carbon construction material. Policies should initially demand measurement and then introduce embodied carbon reduction targets. In particular we recommend the adoption of an Upfront Carbon emissions target of <300kgCO2e/m2 as per the RIBA 2030 Challenge

See ▸▸ Embodied Carbon Guidance.

Timber is proven as the exemplar structural material for high performance homes built to the Passivhaus standard. Part L should be amended to require a space heating demand of 15kWh/m2/year (as per the RIBA 2030 Challenge).

See ▸▸ Zero Carbon Homes: Timber Solutions for Wales

Net zero means not using fossil energy. However, we recommend Welsh Government review the support given to wood burning (as the least carbon efficient use of timber) in favour of wind, solar and tidal alternatives. Equally the biomass subsidy as currently applied is diverting timber away from the manufacturing and construction sectors and doing little to bring under-utilised woodland into management.

To encourage better building and more manufactured approaches to delivery construction policies and regulation should move away from design standards alone and require post completion performance measurement.

See ▸▸ Building Performance Guidance.

To deliver net zero whole life carbon an element of offsetting is required. Afforestation is widely recognised as a robust means to offset emissions. We also believe that stored biogenic carbon in the building should also be recognised as an equally robust means of offsetting. In that respect we recommend that Welsh Government seek a one-year moratorium on ratifying the Emissions Trading Scheme to enable the Welsh Government to take evidence in favour of carbon credits for wood in buildings.

▸▸ Capturing Carbon Investing in Woodlands
▸▸ Illustrative Carbon Storage Contract

Welsh Government have funded a scoping study for a Zero Carbon Building Performance Hub under Innovative Housing Programme (IHP) year four funding. However, it is essential to provide ongoing revenue funding for such a hub. The hub will act to provide the necessary definitions, training, guidance, methodologies and benchmarks so that all actors in the construction supply chain in Wales can have a common and shared understanding of the zero-carbon journey (for both new build and retrofit, domestic and non-domestic). The hub funding could be enabled through the Social Housing Grant (SHG).

Building on Net Zero Whole Life Carbon definitions by the World Green Building council and LETI these five principles ensure that measures to address upfront carbon, energy demand, use of renewable energy and embodied carbon individually do not have an adverse effect on whole life carbon. 

Strategy 2: Manufacturing

Enable high value timber manufacturing and integrate with construction demand

Without interventions, the demand for timber products that will flow from decarbonisation strategies outlined above will be met almost exclusively by imported products. The lack of added value processing of timber in Wales represents a substantial market failure. We produce no structural Glulam. We produce no Cross Laminated Timber. We produce no timber I-beams, no Laminated Veneer Lumber, no Oriented Strand Board and no Wood Fibre Insulation. The list goes on. All these products have two key features in common. Firstly, they are all critical components in high-performance low-carbon buildings that displace steel, plastics, concrete and other high carbon and often toxic materials. Secondly, they are all made from the type and grade of timber we grow in Wales.

Policy Recommendations

As a matter of urgency Welsh Government should recognise forestry and timber as a foundational industry and create a green industrial strategy for wood. Such a strategy must integrate new and expanding timber growing, processing and manufacturing with the substantial demand within the Welsh Government construction and infrastructure programme. However, we should also aim to supply the export market to England to help address its own chronic shortage of home-grown timber products and to build capacity and scale that is possible in Wales.

NOTE: Timber frame manufacturers are already choosing to locate in Wales due to proximity to larger English markets and the availability of labour.

Welsh Government should seek to create strategic public private partnerships, or targeted procurement and supply agreements, with Welsh companies and or European producers to establish advanced product manufacturing in Wales to service both the Welsh and wider UK markets. Three of the many opportunities are outlined below.

  • Opportunity 1: Wood Fibre Insulation Factory: Currently, wood fibre insulation has between 5% and 10% market share in France and Germany. In the UK these products represent less than 0.1% of what is in excess of a £1 billion insulation market. UK customers are being poorly serviced by a European market for which demand is outstripping their ability to supply. Furthermore, transport costs of low-density products like insulation means high prices to UK customers. The retrofit programme, required for existing homes, is a great opportunity to deliver healthy and low-carbon homes by investing into the healthy and low carbon building material supply chains.
  • Opportunity 2: Wood Windows Factory. We estimate that the Welsh Government and Welsh housing associations pay for the installation of approximately 85,000 new plastic windows every year in their retrofit and newbuild programmes. Which also means that a approximately 70,000 plastic windows go to landfill each year. Currently no Welsh timber window manufacturer can supply this market as they lack the certification requirements of Secure by Design.
  • Opportunity 3: Glulam Factory. Glulam is a wood based structural material which can and is being used as an alternative to structural steel for low and medium rise (particularly non-domestic) buildings. Glulam should become the healthy, low carbon structural material of choice for hospitals, schools and other low rise non-domestic buildings.

The timber frame sector in Wales is expanding. The timber frame sector represents the manufacturing bedrock for the rapid evolution of offsite MMC net zero carbon housing in Wales. However, in part as a result of the timber frame sector operating as a subcontractor to the main contractor, manufacturing margins remain below 5%. This limits the timber frame manufacturers’ ability to invest in automation, training and innovation and leaves the sector vulnerable to economic downturns. Welsh Government should introduce targeted and specific policy interventions to enable manufacturers to be at the heart of housing delivery in Wales, rather than the periphery.

Welsh Government should also proactively position Wales as a nation of excellence in timber frame manufacturing specifically targeting the English market. This can be achieved through procurement of timber frame to a national performance specification currently being developed by Woodknowledge Wales in collaboration with Welsh local authorities and the timber frame sector.

These activities should be supported with an allocation of timber supply from NRW and/or local sawmills, allowing wood processors and timber frame manufacturers to establish a base line production at lowest risk to all. This approach will help to position Wales as a nation of excellence (and leadership) in advanced timber frame manufacturing, delivering necessary scale by strategically targeting the English market.

To reflect the economic, social and environmental benefits for Wales of using timber in construction and stimulating afforestation we believe that the Welsh Government should adopt a Wood First Policy (e.g. in France by 2023 50% of all public buildings must be based upon timber) and create a ‘Charter for Timber’ in a similar manner as the charter for UK manufactured steel. This would liberate markets for products such as Glulam as a key structural material in non-residential construction.

Strategy 3: Wood Processing

Influence primary processing decisions to better benefit Wales

The Welsh state has historically subsidised forestry. The Welsh Government Woodland Estate provides the majority of the timber to industry and Welsh Government provides the grants to landowners to incentivise planting and management. But the private sector (in the form of the primary processor – the sawmiller) determines what happens to the trees.

In our opinion, wood processing in the UK is a de-facto public private partnership. But to date the Welsh Government has never sought to influence what happens to this critically important resource. Partly as a result, the vast majority of Welsh timber that is grown for industrial applications is used for relatively low-value fencing, packaging and garden products. These timber markets are important, but the absence of the higher added-value construction materials should be viewed as a both an industrial failure and a failure of policy.

We estimate that only 4% of Welsh timber is used as construction sawnwood. This low value outcome matters. Not only are the returns insufficient for Welsh landowners to invest in tree planting without the need for grants, but also the current markets, although essential, are massively sub-optimal in terms of climate change mitigation and social returns. The Welsh Government needs to use its role as both the regulator and the grower to achieve better outcomes for Wales.

Policy Recommendations

Natural Resources Wales (responsible for managing the Welsh woodland estate) have just completed a consultation on their sales and marketing plan for 2021-2026. The proposal is to move from a sales strategy based on the highest bidder to a triple bottom line approach. We believe that NRW should go beyond the difficult to police triple bottom line approach and proactively ring-fence a proportion (e.g. 10% per annum of the 525,000 m3/annum in 2019) for strategic adding-value processing by Glulam, timber windows, and wood fibre insulation factories, into the valuable products required by a low-carbon UK.

Welsh Government should support the establishment of a coordinating agency to ensure that Welsh grown timber is available for the use of the timber frame manufacturing and joinery and other value adding sectors. This coordinating agency could for example consolidate demand from the Welsh timber frame sector and the housing association retrofit programme and link this demand directly to the provision of timber from the Welsh Woodland Estate. This coordinating agency will in essence bring supply, demand and processing into more purposeful alignment. NOTE: Woodknowledge Wales have established that housing associations are prepared to demand Welsh timber and timber frame manufacturers are prepared to use Welsh timber.

Strategy 4: Forestry

Increase forest area and incentivise forest management for high value applications

The failure of Welsh Government to achieve a significant expansion of forest area in the past 10 years has been well documented and is in stark contrast to our near Celtic neighbours (Eire and Scotland). The production of timber in Wales is forecast to fall over the coming decades whilst that of Eire will double. This decline needs to be addressed through a huge afforestation plan for Welsh landowners of all sizes, particularly farmers.

There is no shortage of private funds available to purchase Welsh land to grow trees. Growing trees already makes economic sense to the longer-term institutional investors with deep pockets. A laissez-faire approach to afforestation will likely mean the sale of Welsh land to wealthy individuals and pension funds, especially given the anticipated post-BREXIT economic challenges likely to be faced by livestock farming.

A key challenge in becoming a successful forest nation is therefore to ensure that our woodlands are both expanded in area and managed in a way that maximises the benefit to Welsh farmers, communities and broader society. Directing investment, both public and private, into partnership with existing farmers to plant a range of woodlands including, crucially, those managed for timber production, will deliver the timber supply needed by new housing and value-added industries, while offering them the opportunity and means to adapt for the future. We believe that private investment is available and ready for deployment.

That of course means we need a balance between the management of woodlands for timber production and for biodiversity, recreation and other benefits such as carbon and water management. It also requires that the productive output is put to best use. Critically, it means that Welsh people should have an economic interest in the trees as well as being able to access woodlands for their wellbeing. Otherwise, we fear that the productive forests will continue to be regarded with suspicion by a society that that has little stake in them. Welsh society currently views degraded treeless landscapes as ‘natural’ and coniferous woodlands as ‘alien’. This is in stark contrast to most other countries in northern and central Europe, despite the comparability of their environmental conditions. It goes without saying that every effort should be made to ensure Welsh society is fully supportive and engaged in the changes ahead. In that respect the National Forest presents a great platform for education and change. But the opportunity for Wales is much bigger: to become a high-value forest nation. We support the BBC Wales initiative with the endorsement of the Prince of Wales to plant Britain as well as Wales specifically, but the key is not only combating climate change. It is to provide meaningful jobs for the future.

Policy Recommendations

Welsh Government should explore the alignment of both public and private investment to enable the scale of investment necessary for substantial afforestation on Welsh farmland (preferably without transfer of land ownership). We believe that the private investment is available, and equitable partnership models between investors and landowners are readily available.

Review the operation of the Woodland Carbon Code, to make it possible for Welsh organisations (e.g. housing associations) to directly invest in Welsh afforestation as part of their offsetting strategies.

See ▸▸ Capturing Carbon: Investing in Woodlands.

Strategy 5: Socio-Cultural Change

Maximise the benefit in becoming a high-value forest nation to Welsh communities

To help overcome barriers to change, to increase the understanding of woodlands in general and the acceptance of productive forestry in particular it is essential that the benefits flow explicitly to Welsh communities – particularly those communities surrounded by trees. Woodlands have proven benefits for education (nature-based learning), well-being and leisure (walking and cycling etc.) as well as the meaningful employment that is implicit in the other four strategies.

Policy Recommendations

Where the Welsh Government Woodland Estate is located near to communities, parcels of forest land should be sold or leased to local organisations in a way that leverages increased social, economic and environmental value (e.g. as demonstrated successfully by the Skyline project). Such an approach would draw more communities into forestry and create greater diversity in forest management and timber processing. NRW should then also be tasked with procuring land to enable the agency to maintain overall productivity levels from their directly managed forest.

Welsh Government should support the creation of designated Forest Towns. Such a designation should come with responsibilities and rewards. Once a designation is achieved, it should enable access to investment in community-based forestry related activities that would benefit the community in terms of employment, wellbeing, education and leisure. The first designated forest town could be Treherbert (which is behind the skyline concept).