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In a landmark initiative, BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons, and Glennon Brothers, the UK’s three largest sawmillers, have formed a unique partnership to promote the use of domestically grown timber in construction. This unprecedented collaboration is supported by leading trade bodies Confor (Confederation of Forest Industries) and Timber Development UK (TDUK), aiming to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported timber and strengthen the domestic industry.

Despite having a world-class sawmilling industry, the UK remains the second-largest net importer of forest products globally, with 80% of its timber needs—worth £9 billion—coming from abroad. This reliance not only affects the local economy but also contributes to carbon emissions and environmental setbacks. The collaboration’s goal is to shift this trend, ensuring a more sustainable, economically viable future for the UK construction sector.

The initiative is also part of a broader national effort to decarbonise construction, boost rural job creation, and support local economies. It aligns with the UK Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap, aimed at meeting long-term goals for decarbonisation, forestry expansion, and economic growth.

 The Focus on C16 Timber

At the heart of this collaborative campaign is the promotion of C16 graded timber, a homegrown solution. This timber, suitable for most standard construction applications, is both strong and versatile. It has a significantly lower embodied carbon footprint than imported timber, like the widely used C24 timber. C16 timber is a renewable, biophilic material that supports well-being and sustainability in the built environment, which accounts for around 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions.

The three sawmillers, who collectively produce the majority of the UK’s C16 sawn timber, are also working with Confor to ensure the sector’s growth. They aim to reduce the UK’s dependency on higher-carbon materials like concrete and steel by encouraging greater use of UK-sourced timber. This approach will also help improve the UK’s energy efficiency and reduce waste in construction.

 A Four-Step Approach to Boost UK Timber Use

The strategy behind this collaboration revolves around four key steps: Grow, Manufacture, Specify, and Build. Each phase addresses a critical area in transforming the construction sector and boosting domestic timber production.

1. Grow

The first step involves increasing tree planting and replanting efforts across the UK. Growing productive woodlands will ensure a sustainable supply of timber for future generations. This initiative also boosts carbon sequestration, improves biodiversity, and enhances air and water quality.

2. Manufacture

The sawmillers are capitalising on advanced harvesting and sawmilling technologies. These innovations will help maximise the value of UK timber, supporting the decarbonisation of the construction industry. By improving timber processing, the sector can deliver cost-effective, high-quality materials.

3. Specify

This step focuses on encouraging architects, engineers, and contractors to specify C16 timber more frequently in their projects. By doing so, the reliance on imported timber and high-carbon materials can be significantly reduced. The construction sector’s specification choices will directly impact the industry’s carbon footprint.

4. Build

The final step focuses on leveraging the full capabilities of C16 timber across various construction projects. From residential buildings to schools and infrastructure, C16 timber offers cost-effective, sustainable solutions that benefit the economy and support rural employment.

Futureproofing the UK Timber Industry

This collaboration is seen as essential to rebalancing the UK’s timber supply chain. The three sawmillers, supported by Confor, are committed to ensuring that domestic timber production meets the increasing demand in construction. A shift towards homegrown timber will also safeguard the future of the UK timber industry.

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive at Confor, stated: “Global demand for timber is projected to rise significantly given its low-carbon benefits. If the UK wants a secure, consistent, and sustainable supply of timber material, now is the time to invest in our industry. Confor supports this collaboration as an important initiative to highlight how working together as an industry is key to securing the long-term future of UK timber.”

Mary Creagh CBE, Minister for Nature, added: “Our Plan for Change is focussed on creating new, green jobs, planting more trees, increasing access to nature and reducing carbon emissions. We currently import 80% of the timber we use and that needs to change. Our Timber in Construction Roadmap and the C16 campaign will boost the use of UK timber to help build the homes and schools we need faster and more sustainably.”

A Stronger, Greener Future for the UK Timber Industry

Through joint advocacy, public engagement, and cross-industry collaboration, this campaign represents a pivotal step toward creating a stronger, greener future. By focusing on the underutilised asset of UK forests, the sawmillers and their partners aim to strengthen the UK’s timber sector, reduce carbon emissions, and create more sustainable construction practices. The initiative also highlights how working together as an industry is key to securing the long-term viability of UK timber.

As the UK construction sector continues to adapt to sustainable building practices, the push for locally sourced timber grows stronger. By investing in UK timber, the country can reduce its dependency on imported products, lower carbon emissions, and stimulate economic growth. The future of UK construction looks brighter, with homegrown solutions at the heart of it.

To read previous Glennon related posts click here

To read previous James Jones & Sons related posts click here

To read previous BSW Timber related posts click here

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