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Timber in Construction: The UK’s 2025 Roadmap for a Sustainable Future
In February 2025, at the Timber in Construction Summit in London, Environment Minister Mary Creagh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable building by unveiling an updated Timber in Construction Roadmap. First launched in 2023 and updated on 3rd March 2025, this roadmap sets out a clear direction: the UK is doubling down on timber as a low-carbon, renewable building material.
Table of Contents
This article explores what the roadmap declares, why timber in construction matters now more than ever, and how Tŷ Eco is perfectly positioned to support low-energy and efficient timber projects across the UK.
Tackling Climate Change and Building Smarter
The construction industry is responsible for a large share of global carbon emissions, making material choices one of the most effective ways to cut environmental impact. Timber offers a clear solution: it is low-carbon, renewable, and stores carbon throughout its life. When responsibly sourced timber can be replenished, reducing reliance on finite or damaging resources such as sand, which is already under global strain (BBC: Why the world is running out of sand).
The UK Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap 2025 recognises these advantages, positioning timber as central to a sustainable building strategy. By prioritising timber the roadmap aims to cut waste, speed up delivery of energy-efficient homes, and grow the green economy, while giving self-builders, developers, and housing providers a way to futureproof projects.
Alongside environmental gains, timber frame construction is also faster to manufacture and assemble, bringing shorter build times and better cost control. To make these benefits mainstream, the Roadmap sets out seven priority themes, from carbon data and safety to innovation and sustainable supplies, that will guide how timber is scaled up across the UK construction industry.
7 Priority Themes Driving Timber in Construction
The Roadmap centres on seven priority themes, each critical to expanding timber’s role in the built environment:
Improving data on timber and whole-life carbon - including developing robust Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) data and engaging with carbon assessments by 2028.
Promoting the safe, sustainable use of timber - by addressing misconceptions, showcasing projects like the GenZero system, and using procurement to drive adoption by 2025–2028.
Increasing skills, capacity, and competency - via new educational pathways (e.g., NMITE’s forthcoming BSc in construction management), support through apprenticeships, a Timber in Construction Skills Action Plan, among many other educational improvements.
Increasing the sustainable supply of timber - supporting homegrown timber, breeding stronger species, and reviewing procurement and planting to meet demand.
Addressing fire safety and durability - with research partnerships, Fire Safety Hub, and evidence-gathering for engineered timber over the next five years.
Increasing collaboration with insurers, lenders, and warranty providers - including creation of a mass timber insurance playbook and aim to facilitate greater dialogue between the insurance sector and developers by 2028.
Promoting innovation and high-performing systems - collaborate with academia to research and innovate timber construction systems by 2028, enhancing carbon performance, construction efficiency, circularity, and safe building practices, subject to funding.
What the Roadmap Means for Builders, Architects, and Housing Providers
The Roadmap isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about reshaping how the construction industry works. Some key takeaways include:
Increased use of timber frame systems in new housing developments, particularly in social housing.
Support for low-energy and Passive House standards, where timber naturally lends itself to airtight, high-performance builds.
Encouragement for modern methods of construction (MMC) such as off-site manufacturing and panelised timber kits.
For housing associations and local authorities, this means timber is becoming not just a sustainable choice but a strategic one. For architects and developers, it provides confidence that timber construction aligns with future regulation and funding priorities.
Why Timber Is the Future of UK Construction
Climate & Carbon Impact
Timber is a low-carbon, renewable material that sequesters carbon throughout its lifespan. According to the roadmap, using timber in construction can reduce whole-life carbon emissions by 20–60% in a single building compared with masonry builds.
Climate & Carbon Impact
Off-site panel systems and volumetric timber systems offer faster, cleaner builds. One example cited in the roadmap saw 50% faster build time, with 90% completed in the factory, reducing on-site disruption.
How Tŷ Eco Supports Sustainable Timber Frame Construction
At Tŷ Eco, we specialise in designing, manufacturing, and supplying bespoke and pre-designed timber frame kits for energy-efficient builds. Whether you’re:
A self-builder looking for a sustainable home,
An architect designing to Passive House standards,
A developer seeking cost certainty, or
A housing association delivering affordable, low-energy housing
Our team can support you from design through to delivery. With our Adra PØ Passive House panel system and years of combined expertise, we’re ready to help the UK meet the ambitions of the Timber in Construction Roadmap.
Building the Future with Timber
The message from the government is clear: timber is central to the UK’s construction future. By embracing timber frame systems today, you’re not only building faster and smarter, but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
If you’re considering timber for your next project, get in touch with us today and find out how Tŷ Eco can help bring your vision to life with precision, sustainability, and confidence.
