MiTek comments on DEFRA’s Timber in Construction Roadmap.
By Jimmy Close, Design Engagement Director, MiTek.
The UK timber industry is on the brink of transformation. After two years of research, the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has unveiled its policy paper on the timber industry, covering both production and construction. This comprehensive approach marks a pivotal moment for timber construction in the UK, setting the stage for significant advancements in sustainability and carbon efficiency. It is the first time the government has published a full policy on timber construction in the UK which is vital for moving the industry forward.
At MiTek, we endorse this initiative wholeheartedly. Embracing structural timber is not just a choice but a necessity for transitioning to a sustainable, carbon-efficient construction methodology. Timber, with its low embodied carbon, sequesters carbon for decades, making it a linchpin in achieving Net Zero and meeting future regulatory energy efficiency standards.
MiTek, boasting the largest network of truss and Posi-Joist manufacturers in the UK and strong alliances with major housebuilders and the Structural Timber Association (STA), witnesses firsthand the growing recognition of timber’s potential. Every day, we see timber construction being adopted as a viable strategy for reaching the 2050 Net Zero target.
The Timber in Construction Roadmap addresses the timber supply chain and construction sector methodically. It emphasises not only the use of home-grown timber but also the education and training required to build a workforce proficient in timber construction. Overcoming the traditional bias towards brick buildings is essential, and the roadmap aims to embed timber buildings into the mainstream UK newbuild sector.
Major UK housebuilders are already spearheading this shift. Persimmon’s upcoming Space4 timber frame factory in Loughborough, set to produce units for 7,000 homes annually, exemplifies this trend. Similarly, Barratt Homes’ acquisition of Oregon, one of the UK’s largest timber frame manufacturers, and Vistry Group’s reopening of a timber frame plant highlight the industry’s commitment.
Timber-frame construction is revolutionising homebuilding, offering faster delivery of high-quality homes and embracing Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) on a large scale. MiTek’s innovative Posi-Joist system is a testament to this, being actively used by housebuilders and test sites preparing for future standards, aligned with the Timber in Construction Roadmap.
MiTek is in discussion with educational institutions, for example, the New Model Institute for Technology & Engineering (NMITE). Courses, on subjects such as Digital Construction and Sustainable Building Practices, are designed to equip the next generation of housebuilders and will highlight the skills needed for timber construction.
Several research projects and collaborations between universities, industry partners, and government agencies have been launched to study and promote the benefits of timber in construction. For instance, the Centre for Offsite Construction + Innovative Structures (COCIS), part of the Institute for Sustainable Construction at Edinburgh Napier University, has been at the forefront of research in this field.
The disparity in timber frame usage between England and Scotland is striking – only 9% of new builds in England are timber-framed, compared to 92% in Scotland. This gap represents a significant opportunity to enhance UK timber construction using locally sourced timber.
The roadmap outlines seven priority themes:
- Improving data on timber and whole life carbon
- Promoting the safe, sustainable use of timber
- Increasing skills, capacity, and competency across the supply chain
- Enhancing the sustainable supply of timber
- Addressing fire safety and durability concerns to expand the use of engineered mass timber
- Increasing collaboration with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers
- Promoting innovation and high-performing timber construction systems
For MiTek, priority theme no. 7 is particularly resonant. Promoting innovation and high-performing timber systems is central to our mission of equipping the industry to design, make, and build better. Our Posi-Joist system and PAMIR design software exemplify the tools enabling trades to collaborate effectively, paving the way for the next generation of timber-constructed homes.
As we navigate this transformative era, the Timber in Construction Roadmap is not just a policy document but a call to action. It challenges us to rethink, innovate, and build a sustainable future with timber at its core. At MiTek, we are ready to lead this change, ensuring that timber construction is not just an option but a vital aspect of the future of building.
