NOW’S THE TIME FOR TIMBER IN UK CONSTRUCTION

The Future of Timber in Construction
Since the publication of this report, numerous discussions have emerged regarding the future of timber in construction and the role each step in the supply chain plays. Making timber accessible and affordable on a large scale—not just for flagship projects—will be vital in unlocking its potential as a sustainable building material.
There’s a significant opportunity for those who act quickly to embrace timber and tap into the increasing demand. An important first step is becoming not only an expert in timber construction products but also an advocate for their sustainability benefits. This includes addressing any lingering concerns over safety and performance.
Counting Carbon
The value of timber in reducing emissions in the built environment—representing a quarter of the UK’s carbon footprint—should be common knowledge. However, the environmental claims of concrete and plastics manufacturers have often overshadowed the true environmental benefits of timber.
Sustainably sourced timber is a crucial building material for combatting climate change. It sequesters carbon until the end of its active life (meaning until it is disposed of, not just when a tree is processed). When properly treated, timber structures, such as fences and sleepers, can last even longer than their concrete counterparts, storing carbon throughout their lifespan.
Mass education on the environmental credentials of treated timber is essential, along with the use of robust sustainability data and certifications across the timber supply chain. In the UK, two relevant industry standards exist:
- BS EN 195978: The standard for whole life carbon assessments against which timber products will be measured.
- BS EN 15804: Governs the production of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that attest to a product’s sustainability credentials.
Becoming fluent in existing and future carbon measures will empower merchants to provide the best advice to their customers and promote the uptake of timber in more projects.
Safe and Secure
Concerns regarding fire safety and the durability of timber—especially after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which rightfully increased scrutiny of all construction materials—have contributed to the lag of timber construction in the UK compared to our international peers.
However, advancements in engineered mass timber have made significant strides in addressing these concerns, alongside progress in timber construction for non-residential projects. Policymakers and industry leaders recognize the necessity of addressing safety concerns through collaboration among industry, academia, and regulators to create safe and robust usage guidelines for timber.
This includes Koppers and the timber treatment industry, which provides cutting-edge fire retardants for industrial timber. These fire retardants react with gases and tar, converting them into char and reducing flame spread and combustion while retaining structural integrity.
A working knowledge of strategies to protect timber, alongside familiarity with resources such as the Fire Safety Hub—where businesses can upload safety data and best practice guidance—will help build the confidence needed for timber to have the desired impact.
For more information, visit:
www.kopperspc.eu