Thursday, March 5, 2026
The UK construction sector is witnessing a revolutionary shift in its approach to building materials, as three of the nation’s largest sawmillers—BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons, and Glennon Brothers—join forces with the country’s foremost architectural and engineering bodies. The latest initiative, part of the C16 Timber Campaign, aims to reduce the UK’s dependence on imported timber and promote domestically grown and manufactured wood throughout the construction industry.
UK Timber’s Strategic Importance
The collaboration, initially launched in October 2025, seeks to build on the success of the first industry-wide partnership between the sawmillers. By working alongside the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), and the Institute of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the campaign focuses on the benefits of using UK-grown timber. The primary objective is to promote C16 timber, a sustainable and cost-effective material for construction, from the design phase through to the build stage.
Despite having a world-class sawmilling industry, the UK remains the second-largest global importer of forest products. Annually, the country imports 80% of its timber, worth approximately £9 billion. This dependence on imported materials not only threatens the UK’s timber industry but also has negative environmental consequences. Imported timber contributes to higher carbon emissions and weakens the domestic market, hindering job creation in rural areas.
Educational Outreach for Architects and Engineers
The C16 Timber Campaign targets architects and structural engineers as key stakeholders in this transformation. Through a series of educational events, including industry roundtables and the publication of a landmark report, the campaign will increase knowledge about the benefits of using locally sourced timber. These initiatives are designed to reduce reliance on imported timber and help futureproof the UK’s timber supply.
The core material promoted by the campaign is C16 graded timber, which is grown and manufactured in the UK. This type of timber is suitable for most standard construction applications, offering excellent strength and versatility. Moreover, it has a lower embodied carbon footprint compared to imported alternatives, such as C24 timber. As a renewable resource, C16 timber aligns with the UK’s sustainability goals, contributing positively to the built environment and reducing the construction sector’s impact on the environment, which currently accounts for around 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions.
Building a Sustainable Future
The partnership between sawmillers and construction industry bodies underscores the strategic importance of domestically grown timber. C16 timber not only supports the UK’s decarbonisation targets but also strengthens the economy. By reducing reliance on imports, the UK can promote job creation in the rural areas where timber is produced. Furthermore, it can enhance the long-term sustainability of the construction industry, ensuring a steady supply of materials that are both environmentally and economically viable.
John Ward, Corporate Partnerships Manager at RIBA, expressed his excitement about the campaign’s progress: “We are delighted to support the Trust UK C16 Timber Campaign. This initiative will raise awareness about the economic and environmental advantages of using homegrown timber. We look forward to helping the architectural community incorporate UK timber into future designs.”
In a similar vein, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) shared their support for the campaign. A spokesperson commented, “We are proud to work alongside Confor in promoting the use of timber, not only as a sustainable material but also as a beautiful one. We are happy to support the C16 Campaign and encourage more architects to specify UK timber.”
Government Backing and Industry Support
The C16 Timber Campaign has already received unprecedented support from industry stakeholders, media outlets, and government officials. Minister for Nature Mary Creagh MP acknowledged the campaign’s role in furthering the goals of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, which is aligned with national objectives for decarbonisation, economic growth, and forestry expansion. She described the collaboration as a powerful example of industry leadership driving sustainable progress.
Futureproofing UK Timber Supply
Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, commented on the campaign’s success so far: “The response to our campaign has been overwhelming. This collaboration will make a tangible difference in futureproofing the UK’s timber supply for the built environment. For the construction sector to thrive sustainably, it’s essential that we all work together from the planning stages right through to the completion of projects. We are excited to continue showcasing UK timber as a key material for construction.”
By extending the campaign’s collaboration to RIBA, RIAS, and IStructE, the trio of sawmillers are making a concerted effort to raise awareness of domestically sourced timber in the construction industry. Their shared commitment ensures that C16 timber will be considered and specified in every phase of construction, reducing the UK’s reliance on timber imports and contributing to the sustainability goals of the built environment.
The UK’s growing reliance on domestic timber is more than just an economic strategy—it’s a vital step in creating a sustainable and resilient construction industry. With the backing of major industry bodies, the C16 Timber Campaign is paving the way for a future where the UK is less dependent on imported timber, more focused on sustainable practices, and better equipped to meet the environmental challenges of the future.
Read more news on C16 Timber Campaign
Get more updates on American woodworking industry through: www.woodandpanel.us
Tags: C16 timber campaign UK, carbon footprint reduction, sustainable building materials, sustainable construction, UK construction industry, UK timber, woodworking and processing, woodworking industry
Comments: