Dr Bellamy has taken the statistics I quoted for my paper out of context (TTJ February 23). They were included to make the point that the construction industry has an enormous opportunity to make a positive contribution to reduce the growing environmental burden on the planet by adopting sustainable methods of design and construction and sourcing materials (not just timber) from a responsible source.
It was for this reason that in my keynote paper to your TRADA members’ seminar last year, ‘Building for a sustainable future’, I allocated a considerable importance to the Forest Stewardship Council. To quote from that paper, ‘Timber is a genuinely renewable material so long as rates of felling and planting are kept in balance with supply in perpetuity. While there are concerns about rates of depletion of natural forests, there are now global initiatives such as certification by the Forest Stewardship Council, so it is possible to buy tropical hardwoods such as iroko or greenheart or home-grown oak’.
Indeed, in my paper to the Institution of Structural Engineers, I gave numerous examples which I consider illustrate the excellent case for timber in construction for a sustainable future. Unfortunately, Dr Bellamy was unable to attend this presentation. As a designer and engineer I will continue to use timber where appropriate in construction for its good environmental and other credentials.
Dr Bellamy’s suggestion in his letter to TTJ for a paper from a suitable expert to address the complexities of the timber supply chain is an excellent one. It could build on the discussions held at this year’s TRADA members’ seminar.
