THE PATH TO THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
Why timber and education go hand in hand in the UK’s building boom attributed to Paul Cave, Sales Director at Koppers.
The UK construction industry is at a turning point. With the government’s expanded Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap now in place, there is a clear drive towards economic growth, job creation, and sustainability. Timber has emerged as a critical material in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, yet adopting it is only the first step. True progress depends on understanding its applications and ensuring the right skills are in place to use it effectively.
A defining moment for sustainable materials.
The current construction boom presents an opportunity to embed sustainability at the heart of UK building practices. Timber is more than just a trend – it has the potential to reshape the industry. However, if it is treated as a short-term solution rather than a core building material, progress will stall. To avoid this, the industry must commit to making timber a reliable and consistent choice, rather than something dictated by temporary market pressures.
Understanding timber’s use classes
Timber’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths, but using it effectively requires knowledge of its classifications:
• Use Class 2: Suitable for indoor environments with minimal exposure to moisture.
• Use Class 3: Used for outdoor applications like cladding and decking, requiring treatment to withstand the elements.
• Use Class 4: Designed for ground contact and high-moisture environments, such as fence posts and structural foundations.
Failure to apply the correct timber class can lead to premature degradation, unnecessary costs, and scepticism about timber’s viability. Education around these distinctions is crucial to building confidence and ensuring long-term success.
Education and collaboration: the key to lasting change
If timber is to become a cornerstone of UK construction, education must take priority. Schools, colleges, and industry bodies need to integrate timber knowledge into their training, from design and technology courses to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes.
Without this foundation, even the most ambitious sustainability targets will fall short.
The TiC Roadmap provides direction, but it is up to the industry to make it a reality. Government initiatives alone will not create lasting change—collaboration between manufacturers, builders, educators, and policymakers is essential. Other nations have demonstrated how strong industry-government partnerships can scale timber adoption effectively. The UK must learn from these examples and build a framework that ensures timber’s place in construction for the long term.
Securing timber’s future in construction
This moment must be more than a response to market conditions; it should be a turning point for sustainable construction. If timber is to remain central to the industry, its use must be backed by knowledge, skill, and a commitment to quality. The UK has the chance to lead in sustainable building, but only if the industry comes together to make it happen. Timber’s role in construction is not inevitable – it must be earned through expertise, collaboration, and action.
