The Structural Timber Association (STA) has welcomed the announcement by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), confirming the Government’s recommitment to the Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap, which outlines measures to increase the use of timber in the construction sector.
The announcement, made by Environment Minister Mary Creagh on 27th February 2025 at the Timber in Construction Summit in London, comes as part of a new vision for the UK Government to deliver on its Plan for Change by increasing timber use in construction and boosting economic growth.
The updated roadmap builds on the original policy ambitions, adding more stretching targets and a clearer focus on helping the Government deliver on its commitment to building 1.5 million homes during the next Parliament.
The STA, alongside Timber Development UK (TDUK) and the Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor), played an instrumental role in the creation of the original policy roadmap and have long campaigned for recognition of the crucial role timber has to play in solving the UK’s housing shortage.
Speaking on the announcement, Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the STA said:
“This is a substantial step forward and we are extremely pleased to see the Government underlining its commitment to meeting these ambitious house building targets. Increasing the use of structural timber and offsite manufacturing is one of the most effective ways of ensuring the rapid and high-quality delivery of these vitally needed homes, while also meeting urgent decarbonisation obligations.”
Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, commented:
“Confor welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to working with partners, including the timber industry, to deliver the important ambitions of the Timber in Construction Roadmap. In light of domestic timber security, we particularly welcome the roadmap’s focus on increasing productive forestry and on promoting the use of homegrown wood-based construction products. Both of these actions will make an important contribution to achieving the UK’s net zero target and economic growth.”
David Hopkins, CEO of TDUK, commented:
“The Government’s commitment to the Timber in Construction Roadmap is a real boost to the low-carbon construction sector. We have a great opportunity to increase our housing stock while growing our forests and reducing our emissions output.
“As a bio-based industrial supply chain, the timber sector can play a unique role in the low-carbon economy – sequestering emissions in the forest and storing them in our buildings. With a rough value of £10 billion to the UK, this growth in timber construction can also play a vital role in the Government’s wider growth agenda.”
Quoted within the Ministerial Foreword of the updated TiC Policy Roadmap, Environment Minister Mary Creagh said:
“The steps we take today will create a thriving, green economy. Timber-framed homes, public buildings, and offices will transform the built environment. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to seeing how timber helps shape a sustainable future. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this important work.”
For more information about the STA and its work, visit: www.timefortimber.org