WOOD:
a nature-based solution for climate change
TOGETHER FOR OUR PLANET
The UK hosted the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in partnership with Italy.
The COP26 takes place in November 2021 and brought together world leaders to commit to urgent global climate action.
On this occasion the global woodworking industry highlighted the key role wood and wood-based products can play in achieving global Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
The focus of our global advocacy message at COP26 was that wood has a key role to play in decarbonising the built environment especially via the ‘new’ engineered timbers that enable wooden buildings to be constructed at height and on a large scale. These structures can both substitute for carbon intensive materials and store carbon.
Our advocacy activities were focused on our timber manifesto launched at the Royal Institute of British Architects, London, on the eve of the COP26 on the 28 of October 2021.
Decarbonising the the built environment
Wood-based solutions offer a green construction material that is renewable, recyclable and has a low fossil carbon footprint. Wood prefabricated solutions also offer modular possibilities to redesign and modernise buildings in a non-invasive way, e.g. through additional storeys or roof extensions.
The built environment is responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions
Making responsibly sourced wood the first-choice material for building products is the simplest and quickest way to ensure that the construction industry and the built environment reduce their CO2 emissions.
Building and renovating for healthier living spaces
Increased contact with the natural environment improves the health and well-being of those living in a primarily urban environment. Wooden surfaces in interior use hold potential for improving human health and well-being.