Cala Group is persistent in its research on net-zero sustainability

 Tuesday, September 9, 2025

The UK woodworking and construction industries are at a critical juncture, with sustainability emerging as a defining metric of success. Leading this charge is Cala Group, a prominent homebuilder in Scotland, which issued its most recent data audit, which includes sustainability improvements on net-zero timber frames. The recently published sustainability data audit for the year ending December 31, 2024, showcases remarkable progress towards its ambitious net-zero targets. This progress isn’t just a win for the environment; it’s a significant development for the woodworking sector, as Cala’s strategy places a major emphasis on timber frame construction, a practice with profound implications for the industry.

A strong case for sustainable construction

Cala’s audit results are a testament to the effectiveness of a targeted sustainability strategy. The company reported a significant reduction of nearly 39% in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to its 2021 baseline. When measured as an intensity metric—emissions per 100m² of developed floor area—the reduction was even more impressive, dropping by over 46%. These figures demonstrate a clear and rapid decarbonization of the company’s operations.

The move away from fossil fuels is a central component of this strategy. In 2024, more than 12% of the homes Cala delivered were fossil-fuel free, and this commitment has been formalised, with all developments submitted for planning from January 1, 2024, onward being entirely gas-free. This transition is being supported by the adoption of renewable technologies, such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, which are quickly becoming standard in the UK’s sustainable construction landscape.

Timber: The heart of the green strategy

For the woodworking industry, one of the most exciting takeaways from Cala’s report is its strong commitment to timber frame construction. In 2024, nearly 34% of the homes the company built were constructed using timber frames, a number that marks substantial progress toward its goal of a 100% timber frame standard product. This initiative is a game-changer for the sector.

The benefits of timber frames are multifaceted:

• Carbon sequestration: Wood naturally sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during the life of the tree. When used in construction, this carbon remains locked within the building’s structure, preventing its release. Timber frame buildings can have up to 20% less embodied carbon than traditional masonry construction.
• Reduced embodied energy: The manufacturing and processing of timber require significantly less energy compared to steel or concrete, further lowering the overall carbon footprint of a building.
• Faster construction: Timber frames are often prefabricated off-site, a process known as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). This speeds up the build time on site, improves quality control, and reduces construction waste.

Cala’s acquisition of Taylor Lane Timber Frame in 2023 was a strategic move to secure its supply chain and accelerate its timber-first approach. By investing in a major timber frame specialist, Cala is not only driving its own sustainability goals but also signaling a strong, long-term demand for wood-based products in the UK’s housing market.

Beyond emissions: A holistic approach

Cala’s sustainability efforts extend far beyond carbon reduction. The audit also highlighted other significant achievements:

• Waste management: The company successfully diverted an impressive 99.9% of its construction waste from landfill, with waste intensity dropping by 18.8% since 2021. This commitment to a circular economy is a major trend in sustainable building.
• Biodiversity & community: Approximately 5,000 nature-supporting features, such as bee bricks, bird boxes, and hedgehog highways, were installed on and around new homes. Furthermore, the company’s Community Pledge initiative has provided meaningful support to more than 50 local communities, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility alongside environmental goals.

A new baseline for the industry

With its recent acquisition by Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital, Cala is now poised to accelerate its sustainability journey even further. The company is committed to setting new, science-based targets (SBTi), which will provide an independently validated framework for its future progress.

As Kathryn Dapré, Head of Sustainability at Cala, noted, the encouraging results are not a reason for complacency. By continuously setting new goals and refining its strategy, Cala is not just adapting to a changing market—it is helping to shape it. The company’s emphasis on timber frame construction, coupled with its focus on whole-life cycle emissions and waste reduction, provides a clear and compelling blueprint for the future of the UK woodworking and construction industries. This demonstrates that sustainability isn’t just an obligation; it’s a competitive advantage and a pathway to a more resilient and responsible future.

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Tags: Cala Group net zero, Cala Group sustainability, green building materials, net-zero building, Sustainable construction UK