Dr Anna Harper from the NetZeroPlus team is working with colleagues from the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Cardiff (GW4) on a closely related project this summer. The team are bringing together experts from forestry, sustainable architecture, timber engineering, building physics, circular economy to explore the theme of a Circular Economy for Timber Buildings in a systems thinking approach for a one-day workshop.

This will include keynote talks from

– Confor – ‘The UK timber resource and homegrown wood supply chain’

Andy Leitch -Deputy Chief Executive

-Timber Development UK – ‘Home grown timber – from planting to post occupancy, some considerations’

Tabitha Binding – Engagement Manager

-Waugh Thistleton – ‘Circular Timber from Research to Practice – Systems design for demountability’

Dave Lomax – Associate Director

-Chalmers University – ‘Timber Buildings: Design for Adaptability’

Robert Jockwer Assistant Professor in Timber Structures

-SevenOaks Modular Ltd – ‘Off-Site Manufacturing: Stop building, start manufacturing’

Richard Hawkins – Design and Manufacturing Engineer – KTP Associate

The UK government has committed to increasing the use of timber in construction, having recognised its many benefits not least as a natural, renewable and low-carbon construction material. However, timber’s connection to the natural also brings unique challenges, particularly when faced with an increasing rapidly changing climate, and increasing demands in sectors such as locally sourced timber and affordable housing. These can only be tackled when stakeholders from timber’s diverse supply chains work together.

The workshop is part of the GW4 research community ‘Circular Economy of Timber Buildings‘ between the University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of Exeter and Cardiff University.