The UK government has recently pledged to recognise its role in reducing carbon emissions and aims to promote sustainable construction practices. Ambitious new plans to increase the use of timber in construction were announced by Environment Minister Mary Creagh at the Timber in Construction Summit in London.
We’ve always championed the use of British-grown hardwoods, supporting both sustainability and local craftsmanship, so now with the government’s backing, there has never been a better time to invest in British hardwoods for construction and beyond.
A Truly Sustainable Construction Choice
Around 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the built environment, and larger buildings can store up to 400% more carbon when built out of engineered timber products compared to building with concrete. However, 80% of the timber the UK currently uses is imported.
Unlike imported hardwoods, British-grown timber has a significantly lower carbon footprint due to reduced transport emissions. All our timber is Grown in Britain-certified, ensuring responsible forest management and full traceability. As a naturally renewable material, timber stores carbon throughout its lifespan, making it a key solution for net-zero construction goals.
Forestry Commission Chief Executive, Richard Stanford, agrees: “To reach net zero, we must increase timber production from homegrown trees and use that timber in our buildings to sequester carbon.
How Government Support Will Impact Timber Use
With policies focusing on sustainable construction materials, we anticipate:
- Increased demand for UK-grown hardwoods in both residential and commercial projects.
- A push towards wider adoption of timber in construction, from flooring to structural applications and cladding.
- Greater emphasis on carbon-friendly building materials, making British hardwoods a sought-after choice.
As the industry shifts towards greater timber use, choosing British hardwoods is a way to be part of the green solution. Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or developer, our locally sourced, expertly crafted solid wood offers the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and sustainability.
Get in touch today to explore our range of UK hardwood sustainable construction options.
