The future of timber construction
Article posted on: 27 March 2024
With the Timber in Construction Roadmap launched by the UK Government, Gordon Megahy, director and structural timber specialist provides his comments on what this means for the industry.
With the construction industry identified as a significant contributor to carbon emissions in both the construction phase and the operating phase of buildings, the Government sees the Roadmap as a route to help achieve the UK’s 2050 net zero target.
The policy document lays out a framework for increasing the use of timber in construction and identifies important steps that need to be taken to encourage the wider adoption of timber as a construction material.
Various organisations have helped in the production of this policy over a two-year period, including The Structural Timber Association (STA); an organisation of which we are an active member.
Providing commentary around each of the seven key themes noted in the Roadmap, our director and structural timber specialist Gordon Megahy, offers on his thoughts below:
Improving data and measuring of whole life carbon – the reduction of embodied carbon emissions of new builds is a key driver for the roadmap.
“Construction timber locks up 680kg/m3 CO2. Concrete production emits 282kg/m3 whilst steel production emits 5400kg/m3. The effect of using timber is therefore obvious. In addition, timber framed buildings can be well insulated without sacrificing space.
“The take up of CO2 from the atmosphere occurs greater in maturing forests. Properly managed forests will create a continuous CO2 sink.”
Promoting timber as a construction material – continue to educate the construction industry on why structural timber is the only solution to building sustainably.
“One of the easy ways to measure the use of timber in construction is by looking at the use of timber in housing. England currently see approximately 9% of new start houses being constructed in timber. This should be compared with the Scotland figure of approximately 90%. These are predominantly delivered using light weight timber frame. The English market is in the region of 10 times larger than Scotland. The potential number of timber new start houses is therefore obviously large. The UK, as a whole, has consistently missed the Government’s targets for house building for many years which only adds to housing pressures. This is a prime opportunity for timber to provide a solution to this demand.”
Increasing skills across the supply chain – ensure that there is a skilled and competent workforce for building with structural timber.
“In order to ensure properly designed buildings, the market requires experienced professionals. With the proposed expansion of timber construction comes the requirement for more education in the design of timber. This has been identified by the STA and links with RIBA, IStructE and CIBSE are in place to address this.
“The STA and Timber Development UK have looked at timber supply and skills shortages with a view to ensuring the industry is well provided for.”
Increasing the supply of timber – the demand for timber as a material will be crucial in achieving the objectives in the roadmap.
“At present the vast majority of construction timber comes from Sweden and, to a lesser extent, Germany and other European countries. The effect of transport on the CO2 emissions is clear. This is mitigated but is still obvious. The Roadmap highlights the need to plant forests in England. This is admirable but will take some 60-years for the home-grown timber to enter the construction industry. Relationships with current suppliers must be maintained to ensure security of supply.”
Addressing fire safety – demonstrating how timber frame structures are safe and durable for their application.
“This is well researched. A properly designed and constructed timber frame building complies well with the Building Regulations.
“The durability of timber is very well-known, and the proper design and construction will provide structures which will last well past the standard life span of 60-years. There are many examples exist to prove this.”
Increasing collaboration with insurers and lenders – continue to work with educate the insurance and lending sectors.
“Warranty providers e.g. NHBC, LABC, Premier Guarantee, etc. are comfortable with the use of light weight timber frame. They all recognise the QA Scheme provided by the STA (STA Assure) and are happy to work with timber frame providers who work in accordance with the STA scheme.
“Insurers have questioned fire and durability in the past. These have been addressed by the industry. The STA introduced a Site Safe Policy which addressed the issue of fire on construction sites. This was very successful and allayed Insurers fears. A ‘White Paper’ was prepared by the STA directed towards insurers queries. Brokers such as Gallaghers have been involved with this work.”
Promoting innovation and high performing timber systems – continuing to support innovation and cost-effective timber systems.
“Light weight timber construction is a mature industry. The material is well known with a significant amount of research going into all aspects.
“The use of mass timber (which should never be confused with light weight timber frame) is still relatively new to the construction industry. Research continues with regards fire and durability to ensure that this can be used extensively. Replacing concrete and steel structures with mass timber has obvious benefits towards net zero targets.”
We recognise the Roadmap is a strong step forward for the industry and we will continue to join the wider timber industry in ensuring these measures continue moving forward positively.
