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
