Timber industry hosts first Net Zero event in Scottish Parliament

Speaking about the event, Alex Goodfellow said: “The reception was the first time the timber industry has gathered at Holyrood to discuss sustainability and how timber in construction supports the drive to Net Zero. Scotland excels at timber production, and we lead the UK in the use of timber frame construction, both of which support the country's economy and sustainability goals. However, more production is needed.

“Global demand for timber is increasing and we predict that based on current production levels, we will be fighting for product by 2050. There is ample scope for increasing productive woodland in Scotland and especially as we promote increased use of timber across the rest of the UK, we have a great opportunity to further support the Scottish economy through the supply of this low carbon construction product.”

Mr. Wille Rennie MSP said: “This is an opportunity for parliamentarians to fully understand this important sector, what makes it a success and what government needs to do to allow it to make an even larger contribution to jobs and the economy. There’s been much talk about tree planting from ministers to tackle climate change and biodiversity which is right, but we also need to understand that for construction purposes we also need to plant the right type of trees in the right numbers and ensure the supply chain and sector is working effectively.”