New Report Says More Wood in Construction Essential to Achieve Net Zero
A new report by the Woodland Trust has found that using more wood in construction is essential to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the UK. The report, titled "Wood for a Net Zero Future", found that using wood in place of other materials, such as concrete and steel, could reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry by up to 80%.
Mjøstårnet in Norway the world's tallest timber structure. Photo: Curtesy fo Moelven
Wood is a natural material with a low carbon footprint. It absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows, and it continues to store carbon for the life of the building. This makes wood a valuable tool for fighting climate change.
In addition to its low carbon footprint, wood is also a strong and versatile material that can be used to build a wide variety of structures. It is also a renewable resource, which means that it can be replanted and harvested sustainably.
The Woodland Trust report found that the UK could increase its use of wood in construction by up to 50% by 2050. This would require a significant shift in the way that buildings are designed and constructed. However, the report argues that this is a necessary step if the UK is to meet its net-zero emissions targets.
"Wood is a vital part of the solution to climate change," said Paul Hadley, Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust. "It is a low-carbon, renewable material that can be used to build beautiful, sustainable buildings. We need to see a major increase in the use of wood in construction if we are to achieve net-zero emissions."
The report's findings have been welcomed by the construction industry. The Construction Industry Council said that the report "shines a light on the vital role that wood can play in helping the UK achieve net-zero emissions".
The report also found that using more wood in construction would create jobs and boost the economy. The Woodland Trust estimates that increasing the use of wood in construction by 50% could create up to 100,000 new jobs in the UK.
The report's findings are a clear call to action for the construction industry. If the UK is to achieve net-zero emissions, then it needs to make a significant shift towards using more wood in construction. Wood is a low-carbon, renewable material that can be used to build beautiful, sustainable buildings. It is time to embrace wood as a key part of the solution to climate change.