UK Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap 2025

The UK government has recently unveiled an ambitious update to its Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap, aiming to revolutionise the construction industry and boost sustainable practices. Announced by Environment Minister Mary Creagh at the TiC Summit in London on February 27, 2025, this initiative seeks to increase the use of timber in construction, supporting economic growth, rural jobs, and housing targets.

The Vision: Sustainability and Growth

The TiC Roadmap 2025 outlines a clear strategy to increase the use of homegrown timber in construction, addressing multiple challenges simultaneously:

1. Sustainable Housing: The government aims to construct 1.5 million sustainable and affordable homes during the current Parliament, utilising Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and timber to enhance productivity and energy efficiency.
2. Carbon Reduction: With the built environment accounting for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, larger buildings using engineered timber products can store up to 400% more carbon compared to concrete structures.
3. Domestic Timber Industry: The plan aims to reduce reliance on imports, as currently 80% of the timber used in the UK is imported.
4. Circular Economy: The roadmap supports the creation of a low-waste circular construction sector by promoting sustainable materials and techniques.

Priority Themes

1. Improving data on timber and whole-life carbon
2. Promoting safe, sustainable timber use
3. Enhancing skills, capacity, and supply chain competency
4. Increasing domestic timber supply
5. Addressing fire safety and durability in engineered timber
6. Collaborating with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers
7. Encouraging innovation in timber construction

Environmental Impact

• Biodiversity: The UK Tree Planting Taskforce aims to increase England’s tree canopy and woodland cover from 14.5% in 2024 to 16.5% by 2050, boosting biodiversity and improving water quality.
• Carbon Storage: Timber-framed buildings offer superior carbon sequestration properties compared to traditional construction methods.

Industry Response

• The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) sees it as a vital step towards unlocking the potential of homegrown timber and encouraging resilient woodland management.
• Alex Goodfellow, Chair of the Confederation of Timber Industries, hailed it as a commitment to growth in forestry, housing, low-carbon skills, and the economy.

Looking Ahead

As the UK strives to meet its net-zero targets by 2050, the TiC Roadmap 2025 positions timber at the forefront of sustainable construction. With government backing, increased domestic production, and a focus on innovation, the future of UK construction is set to be greener, more efficient, and timber-centric.

For professionals in the construction industry, from architects to joiners, this roadmap presents an unprecedented opportunity to align with national sustainability goals while delivering high-quality, energy-efficient buildings. As we move forward, embracing timber in construction will not only transform our built environment but also play a crucial role in combating climate change and fostering a thriving, green economy.

The UK’s Timber in Construction Roadmap 2025 is more than just a policy document; it’s a blueprint for a sustainable future, where our buildings not only shelter us but actively contribute to the health of our planet. As the industry adapts to these changes, we can look forward to a new era of construction that’s as beneficial for the environment as it is for the people who call these timber structures home.