STA MMCROUNDTABLE: CHAMPION VISITS TIMBER FRAME FACILITY PLOTTING THE ROUTE TO NET ZERO CARBON
Delivering quality has always been ‘up front and centre’ for the construction industry. The emphasis on producing buildings that are well built, using appropriate materials and which are fit for purpose, whether they are commercial premises, offices, schools or housing, is at its very core. But while the industry strives to deliver the highest possible quality product it is also having to work with other demands. It is being called on to carry out its activities in a more environmentally-friendly way, both in terms of the way it works and the materials it uses. The requirement to reduce net carbon emissions to zero within 30 years, for example, is having a huge impact on the sector. There is also the pressure to innovate, since innovation can result in better products, better techniques and, ultimately, better rewards for both the corporate world and society. It was with these themes in mind that a group of industry figures gathered in London before the COVID-19 restrictions, to discuss the implications for the industry. Hosted by the STA in association with Building Magazine, the roundtable discussed the drive towards net zero, what the industry and individual companies were doing and could do to assist in that effort, and how innovation could deliver the improvements which those within the industry and beyond wanted to see.
Attendees: Andrew Carpenter - STA, Lynne Sullivan - Good Homes Alliance, Kevin Riley - Stora Enso, Christiane Lellig - formerly of Wood for Good, Geoff Arnold - Pinewood Structures, Mark Stevenson Kingspan Timber Solutions, Alex Goodfellow - Stewart Milne Group, David Fleming - Walker Timber Group and Francesca Berriman - Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.
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To read a full account of the roundtable discussion go to: www.structuraltimber.co.uk/links/bm2020
