The BRE Centre in Innovative Construction Materials, based at the university, is ultimately aimed at improving the sustainability of the UK building industry.
“Although timber is a traditional material in many parts of the world and can provide a sustainable resource for building, historically it is under-used in the UK compared with other countries,” said centre director Professor Peter Walker.
“Developing novel and value-added ways of using UK-grown timber and increasing its use in general could make a significant contribution to tackling climate change.”
The centre involves the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Design. BRE will work in partnership on research carried out, while an exchange of staff and facilities will take place between the two organisations.
“The partnership will look not only to achieve academic excellence but to deliver practical and commercially viable solutions to the construction industry,” said Dr Peter Bonfield, managing director of the BRE’s construction division.
The centre will also examine other building materials, including masonry, natural and advanced fibre composites, steel and use of waste and recycled materials.
