A report summarising Home-Grown Homes research undertaken by Woodknowledge Wales, the BioComposites Centre and the ASBP that seeks to redefine the role of timber and other biogenic materials in construction
Overview
As the UK moves toward low carbon targets, greenhouse gas removal (GGR) technologies are becoming a critical part of the climate response. The report presents the case for treating wood in construction (WIC) as a cost-effective and scalable GGR pathway and was authored by Gary Newman, Dr Morwenna Spear and Simon Corbey, from Woodknowledge Wales, the BioComposites Centre and the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP)respectively.
This research was funded by Welsh Government.
Key insights
WIC is an established GGR method. Long-life wood buildings are already recognised by international authorities such as the IPCC and UNFCCC as significant carbon stores. However, current UK policy and reporting frameworks do not yet reflect this potential.
Standard life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies do not account for the long-term carbon storage value of timber in buildings. As a result, the climate benefit of WIC is systematically undervalued.
The scale of opportunity is significant. Timber construction is already delivering tens of thousands of homes in the UK each year. The report shows that increasing timber use in buildings could contribute several million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent removals annually.
Monitoring and reporting systems are achievable. Drawing on existing data and standards, the report outlines practical methods for measuring and verifying carbon stored in wood-based construction products.
Recommendations for policy and industry
- Include WIC explicitly in GGR policy portfolios and carbon budgets
- Develop and trial UK-specific carbon storage reporting systems for WIC
- Broaden funding and support beyond LCA frameworks to reflect the dual mitigation and removal roles of timber
- Establish a national task force to support joined-up governance, quantification and reporting for WIC as a GGR
Why this matters
Buildings are not just energy liabilities – they are also potential carbon assets. Recognising the carbon stored in the built environment opens up new possibilities for achieving low carbon targets, while also delivering co-benefits for forestry, housing and rural economies.
What the report covers
- Policy context in the UK, EU and international frameworks
- Analysis of different greenhouse gas removal options
- Data on carbon storage potential in UK timber construction
- Guidance on harvested wood product (HWP) carbon pool accounting
- A summary of emerging standards and certification schemes for carbon removals
Download the report
Using Wood in Construction as a Significant Greenhouse Gas Removal Mechanism (PDF)
Get involved
Woodknowledge Wales invites policymakers, developers, supply chain actors and carbon market stakeholders to engage with this agenda and help build momentum for wood in construction as a climate solution.
For more information, contact info@woodknowledgewales.co.uk
