The latest government Timber in Construction Roadmap sets out a clear vision for increasing the safe and sustainable use of timber in the built environment. As the UK faces major challenges—climate change, a housing crisis, and economic growth pressures—timber is recognised as a key solution to delivering low-carbon, high-quality, and efficient construction.
The UK government’s commitment to boosting tree canopy and woodland cover from 14.5% in 2024 to 16.5% by 2050, alongside a pledge to build 1.5 million homes this Parliament, presents a significant opportunity to increase demand for timber in construction, stimulate investment in domestic forestry, and drive forward the development of a more sustainable, skilled workforce.
Key Takeaways from the Roadmap
🔹 Building a Greener Future: The roadmap highlights timber’s carbon-storing capabilities, making it an essential material in achieving the UK’s net-zero ambitions by 2050. Increased timber use in housing, public buildings, and commercial spaces will significantly reduce the embodied carbon of the built environment.
🔹 Enhancing Industry Skills & Workforce Capacity: The roadmap emphasises the need to upskill the workforce, with new initiatives in forestry, carpentry, and joinery education. The IOC fully supports measures to expand training provision, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals who can meet the growing demand for timber construction.
🔹 Addressing Fire Safety & Durability Concerns: Timber must be used responsibly and safely, and the roadmap includes plans to collaborate with insurers, regulators, and industry experts to improve fire safety, durability standards, and best practices for engineered mass timber.
🔹 Strengthening the Supply Chain: The UK imports 80% of its timber—a reliance that the roadmap seeks to reduce by boosting domestic forestry and improving homegrown timber utilisation. By promoting sustainable planting and improved timber processing, the UK can create a more resilient and self-sufficient industry.
🔹 Encouraging Innovation & Collaboration: The roadmap champions modern methods of construction (MMC), mass timber solutions, and off-site manufacturing, providing a strong foundation for innovation in timber design, sustainability, and efficiency.
The IOC’s Commitment to Timber in Construction
At the IOC, we have long advocated for the increased use of timber—both in traditional and engineered applications—to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and performance of the built environment. The roadmap aligns with our mission to equip the next generation of carpenters and joiners with the skills needed to succeed in an evolving industry.
By collaborating with training providers, industry bodies, and policymakers, we will continue working to ensure that timber is safely and effectively integrated into construction while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship and competence.
Looking Ahead
The Timber in Construction Roadmap marks a significant milestone in securing a greener, more sustainable future for UK construction. By investing in skills, innovation, and responsible timber use, we can create jobs, reduce emissions, and deliver high-quality buildings fit for the future.
The IOC looks forward to playing an active role in shaping and supporting these developments, ensuring that carpenters, joiners, and timber professionals are at the forefront of this exciting transition.
Read the full report: https://ow.ly/F6bO50Vah8h