I think it is right that we are cautious in our optimism that the recession may be easing. There are still tough times ahead for many companies in our industry, especially as materials and energy prices rise later this year. However, it is also right that we celebrate all positive news about our market, and remember how well placed we will be for the upturn, when it comes.
For example, the market share for timber frame construction has advanced again for the 10th year and now stands at 25% of all new housing in the UK, up from 8% in 1998. Even in our most mature market, in Scotland, timber frame’s market share is still rising.
Timber frame is a cost-effective and easy way to meet the increasing levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes. It is a well-known fact that timber frame achieves higher insulation levels, fewer defects and a more airtight building fabric with extremely low embodied energy.
In terms of achieving genuine sustain-ability, getting the fabric right is the single most important place to start – at last the government is realising this!
Sustainable forestry is also essential to our efforts to tackle climate change. On average a typical tree absorbs, through photosynthesis, the equivalent of one tonne of carbon dioxide for every cubic metre’s growth, while producing the equivalent of 727kg of oxygen. There is no doubt that increased use of wood products can help slow global warming.
So when the economic upturn does come and the urgent need for fast, sustainable building becomes even more critical, timber frame will be the number one choice. We are able to provide the fastest market response while reducing our clients’ working capital requirements, and this is what will help us take full advantage of increased demand.
