There is considerable scope for buildings and the use of buildings to make a large contribution to reducing UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Government’s Innovation and Growth Team refers to a common belief that buildings are responsible for about half of the country’s CO2 emissions through their operational energy, that is lighting, heating, cooling and electricity for power.

The construction industry has a large role to play in reducing GHG emissions.

Timber has one of the lowest thermal conductivity values of all construction materials, making it thermally efficient.

Life-cycle assessments investigate the environmental impacts at each stage of production.

Carbon sequestration in timber could be used as a tool to mitigate the consequences of CO2 emissions.