PEFC UK partnered with the Structural Timber Association (STA) last month to give construction professionals a closer look at timber frame construction in practice.
Over 24–25 March, delegates took part in a series of site visits across the north of Scotland, including stops at a sawmill, an OSB mill, an engineered-joist manufacturer and a timber frame factory.
The Timber Frame Learning Journey programme was designed to demonstrate how sustainably grown timber is transformed into high-performance products and systems that are now widely used to deliver low-carbon buildings across the UK.
John Kirkby, executive director of PEFC UK, said: “Timber has a vital role to play in the transition to a low-carbon built environment, but it is important that increased demand is matched with responsible sourcing.
“PEFC Certification provides that assurance, giving confidence that materials are coming from forests that are managed sustainably.”
Responsible sourcing was a key focus throughout the Learning Journey. As demand for timber continues to rise, organisers emphasised that this growth needs to be supported by well-managed forest supply chains in order to maintain confidence in the market and protect long-term forest resilience.
John added: “The Learning Journeys are an excellent way to bring the supply chain together to provide a better understanding to end-users about the benefits of timber frame construction and the importance of specifying certified timber. This knowledge is key to supporting long-term, sustainable growth across the sector.”
