UKTFA claims timber is most environmentally aceptable material

Timber is the most environmentally acceptable material in modern construction, the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) has claimed.

In its Strategic Statement on Environmental Performance, the UKTFA states that well managed forests can meet both the demands of the environment and the user community.

"UKTFA's continuous monitoring of the timber industry provides overwhelming evidence that the softwoods used in the UK timber frame industry are sourced either from well-managed forests or from forests where management practices are rapidly improving," said the Association.

The Statement lists the "unique combination" of environmental benefits that timber construction affords, including: natural, organic and non toxic; recyclable; carbon neutral; oxygen-producing; sustainable; energy efficient; thermally efficient; and embodies low energy.

The UKTFA's Strategic Statement also incorporates a Code of Practice which supoorts sustainable construction practices both in timber frame manufacture and more widely, in the timber frame supply chain and forest industry.

"We are actively encouraging our members to provide evidence that their timber comes from a sustainably managed source," said UKTFA.