A new roadmap to increase use of timber in the construction of homes and buildings has been set out by government in a move designed to reduce emissions and reach net zero.

Using timber in construction is one of the best ways to reduce emissions from buildings. Around 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are from the built environment, and larger buildings can store up to 400% more carbon when built out of engineered timber products rather than concrete.

The announcement comes following COP28 urbanisation day where ministers met to discuss urbanisation – stepping up domestic timber production and its use in construction will significantly reduce emissions and lock up carbon in buildings, helping to meet net zero ambitions.

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The Timber in Construction Roadmap sets out the vision to increase the use of timber in construction, whilst also presenting valuable opportunities for economic growth, rural jobs and levelling up. Currently only 80% of the timber the UK currently uses is imported. Increasing domestic capacity will create new green jobs in the forestry and wood processing sectors, which contribute over £2bn to UK economy.

Key actions set out in the plan include:

• Improving data on timber and whole life carbon

• Promoting timber as a construction material

• Boosting skills, capacity and competency across the supply chain

• Increasing the supply of sustainable timber products

• Addressing fire safety concerns to safely expand the use of engineered mass timber

• Building collaboration with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers

• Promoting innovation and high performing timber construction systems.

Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said: "Investing in timber is investing in growth and levelling up. The built environment is responsible for a huge proportion of UK carbon emissions, and using home-grown timber in construction is key to reducing emissions.

"Promoting the use of timber as a building material is a key part of the government’s Net Zero Strategy. It will innovate the economy, play a role in creating green jobs and also help meet our tree-planting targets."