Written question asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Conservative) on Monday, 8 November 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 November 2021. It was answered by Lord Greenhalgh (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 November 2021 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Buildings: Construction

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote the use of wood in the construction of new buildings.

Answer: The Government's England Trees Action Plan (ETAP) was published on 18 May 2021 and outlines the actions we are taking to increase the use of timber in construction, where it is safe to do so. This builds on commitments in the 25 Year Environment Plan and Clean Growth Strategy.

The Net Zero Strategy published on 19 October 2021 sets out the important role which timber and other sustainable construction materials will play in meeting our net zero targets. Guided by market analysis, fire safety and structural considerations, key opportunities for the safe growth of timber use will be in low-rise buildings using traditional and certain modern methods of construction, and in a wide range of commercial and non-residential settings.

We are working with key construction stakeholders to develop a policy roadmap on the use of timber in construction.

Secondary information