Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 152
Whilst timber is often the most appropriate material to use to lower the embodied carbon...
Conclusion
Whilst timber is often the most appropriate material to use to lower the embodied carbon of a building project, it cannot be assumed that this will always be the case. Timber use, from appropriate sources, should be verified as the best whole-life carbon answer to a given construction project, in comparison to other alternatives. Timber use should be seen in the context of UK, European and global forestry resources. A major increase in the use of timber in UK construction will put pressure on existing timber resources.
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the importance of a whole life carbon approach when using timber in construction and encourages the industry to use the most appropriate low carbon materials and to produce efficient low-carbon designs. They also state that the Timber in Construction Working Group will consider how to sustainably increase timber supply to meet increased demand.
Paragraph Reference:
152
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government committed in the England Trees Action Plan and Net Zero Strategy (NZS) to increase the safe use of timber in construction, to support our tree planting targets and reduce emissions within the built environment. Felled trees store carbon within them and timber has the lowest embodied carbon of any mainstream building material. There is potential to reduce embodied carbon by way of material substitution where appropriate (including through timber and wood product usage) and resource efficiency approaches, amongst others. However, government recognises the importance of whole life carbon approach when using timber in construction. Government will look at timber and other low carbon products, ensuring the right materials are used in the right context. We agree with the EAC’s perspective that the right material, such as timber when safe to do so, should be used in a construction project for the most productive whole-life carbon approach. We encourage the industry to use the most appropriate low carbon materials and to produce efficient low-carbon designs. The UK currently imports the majority of its timber supply. The Timber in Construction Working Group will consider how to sustainably increase timber supply to meet increased demand, including how to increase production of domestic timber, as referenced in the response to recommendation 20. This cross government and cross-sector Group will set out a roadmap towards realising our ambitions.