TIMBER TRADER UK NEWS
Time for Timber campaign highlights net zero With the threat of missing critical environmental targets a very real
Scott Cato, architect and Chair of the Good Homes Alliance, Lynne
danger in the post Covid-19 economy, the Time for Timber campaign
Sullivan, Technical and Innovation Director at Barratt Homes, Oliver
has launched a new drive that directly targets the financial and
Novakovic and Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and
insurance sectors – one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the path
Finance Association, Simon Howard.
of sustainable development.
Andrew Orriss from the Time for Timber campaign commented:
With ambitious targets set for the UK to reach net zero by 2050, combined with an increasingly urbanised population, there is an urgent need to change how we build high density and single-family housing. The obvious solution is using renewable, sustainable and environmentally positive materials such as timber but, historically, the insurance industry has been unwilling to support such initiatives. Misconceptions around timber’s suitability as a major project construction material have meant that this versatile solution is considered a risk by many insurers and finance houses. This basic misunderstanding of the facts could be jeopardising the future of the economy and the environment. Bringing together leading voices from around the construction
“We are at a crossroads in the UK and on a global basis: we need to act
industry, the Time for Timber campaign has been founded with the
now if we are going to meet our environmental obligations and timber
express intention of challenging these misconceptions within the
is the primary building material that will help us do this. As well as being
financial and insurance sectors. The campaign launched with a major
sustainable, replenishable and easily re cycled, the adoption of timber
advertising campaign at Bank underground station, in the heart of
within offsite construction and MMC techniques would have a profound
London’s financial district. The bold move will see the hard-hitting
effect on the wider construction market and a demonstrable reduction
campaign message dominating the advertising space within the
in the carbon footprint of projects.
station, in a bid to kick-start engagement with this important issue. A
“This is in harmony with the Government’s agenda of Building Back
programme of webinars with financial sector media partners and a new
Better, with its emphasis on green initiatives, which clearly recognises that
whitepaper will follow, to begin strengthening the dialogue between
there is a need to create jobs to avoid a financial downturn. But we should
the timber construction industry, insurers and investors.
be creating those jobs to ensure the green transition happens as quickly
Underpinning the communication campaign is a groundswell of support that is building throughout the industry, which is showcased
as possible, to propel us towards net zero carbon – as well as protecting communities from future environmental and economic hazards.”
in a new Time for Timber documentary. The film features compelling More at www.timefortimber.org
interviews with figures such as: British Green Party economist, Molly
Marking systems for SAWMILLS and PALLET MANUFACTURERS
Timber Trader UK Magazine
Autumn 2020
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