The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the urgent need to address climate change. The sector, which accounts for about 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, will play a vital role in the government’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Timber is central to this shift. It stores carbon absorbed by trees, resulting in lower embodied carbon than materials like steel or concrete. Technological advances have enhanced timber's performance, making it an increasingly attractive construction material.
Despite its sustainability advantages, timber construction faces key challenges. Linesight's latest report highlights the main barriers and opportunities for wider adoption in the UK, including cost, future trends, technical and regulatory issues like fire safety and durability, and economic factors such as import dependence and post-Brexit complexities.
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The re-emergence of timber construction
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Challenges to wider adoption
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Cost considerations
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Design and construction approach
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Future trends
The re-emergence of timber construction
Challenges to wider adoption
Cost considerations
Design and construction approach
Future trends
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The re-emergence of timber construction
Timber has been used in construction for centuries. Historically, it was the primary material for building homes, barns, and other structures. It was readily available, easier to transport than stone, and capable of being cut and formed, making it useful for a range of applications.
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Challenges to wider adoption
While timber construction offers clear sustainability benefits, several challenges must be overcome to realise its full potential. These include technical and regulatory issues like fire safety and durability, as well as economic factors such as import dependence and post-Brexit complexities. Government policies like the 2017 Clean Growth Strategy and 2023 Powering Up Britain plan will be key to addressing these barriers.
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Cost considerations
Despite the perception of higher upfront costs, savings in construction time and waste reduction can have a positive impact on overall budgets. Clear communication of the long-term economic benefits and lifecycle cost advantages of timber is needed to shift market sentiment and encourage adoption.
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Design and construction approach
Early collaboration is particularly important in timber construction projects as it can help to reduce the risk of project delays and higher upfront material costs.
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Future trends
The timber construction industry is poised to expand further, offering exciting opportunities to reshape the built environment in line with the UK’s sustainability goals, and opening up new green jobs in forestry, manufacturing, and construction.
