Confor welcomes recommitment to the Timber in Construction Roadmap

27 February 2025

Confor has welcomed a renewed commitment to the Timber in Construction Roadmap from Environment Minister Mary Creagh.

Ms Creagh made the announcement at the Timber in Construction (TiC) Summit in London today as part of the government’s ambitious plans to boost the domestic timber industry, economic growth, rural jobs and housebuilding targets.

Confor was a partner in the creation of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, which outlines measures to increase the use of timber in the construction sector. The document was a key topic of discussion at Confor’s policy conference in December, where Ms Creagh described it as “useful and important”.

Following today’s endorsement, Confor Chief Executive Stuart Goodall said: “Confor welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to work 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 targets and economic growth.”

Using timber in construction is one of the best ways to reduce emissions from buildings. Around 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are from the built environment, and larger buildings can store up to 400% more carbon when built out of engineered timber products compared to when built with concrete. Currently 80% of the timber the UK currently uses is imported.