The UK construction and timber sectors are intensifying efforts to promote sustainable building materials as the Trust UK C16 campaign continues to expand its industry influence. The initiative has now been strengthened through the involvement of architect Peter Smith and timber engineer Louise Rogers, both recognised for their expertise in sustainable construction and structural timber applications.
The campaign, supported by BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons and Glennon Brothers, is focused on encouraging greater use of UK-grown C16 structural timber across architecture, engineering and construction projects. Industry leaders believe the initiative is helping to increase awareness of homegrown timber solutions while supporting the transition towards lower-carbon building methods.
Demand for sustainable materials is rising rapidly. Construction firms are under increasing pressure to reduce embodied carbon emissions. Timber is therefore gaining stronger attention as a renewable alternative to traditional construction materials.
Peter Smith and Louise Rogers will support the campaign through technical engagement activities aimed at architects, engineers and construction professionals. Their involvement includes participation in industry roundtables, technical events and webinars. Educational content for Continuous Professional Development programmes will also be developed as part of the initiative.
The pair recently presented the Trust UK C16 Timber campaign during Futurebuild, one of the UK’s leading conferences for the built environment sector. Their session took place on the Architects Climate Action Network stage, where they highlighted the environmental and economic value of specifying UK timber within modern construction projects.
The message focused on increasing confidence in domestically sourced structural timber. Greater use of sustainable materials was also encouraged across the architectural and engineering communities.
Louise Rogers currently works as Impact Manager at BE-ST, Scotland’s national innovation centre for construction and the built environment. Her background combines structural engineering expertise with specialist knowledge in biogenic materials and low-carbon manufacturing systems.
Her work includes research and commercialisation projects linked to homegrown timber, mass timber systems and wood fibre insulation products. Lifecycle analysis and material innovation also form important parts of her role.
The growing adoption of timber technologies reflects wider changes across the global construction sector. Developers and contractors are increasingly exploring renewable materials that can reduce environmental impact while maintaining structural reliability and commercial scalability.
Rogers stated that the campaign comes at a critical time for the construction industry. She emphasised the importance of demonstrating practical structural applications for C16 timber and improving confidence in UK-grown resources.
She also highlighted the broader benefits associated with domestic timber supply chains. Reduced embodied carbon emissions were identified as a major advantage. Stronger local economies and improved supply chain resilience were also referenced as important outcomes.
Peter Smith brings extensive experience in architecture and sustainable design. As head of the Scotland office of Roderick James Architects, he specialises in projects using natural building materials, including UK timber.
His portfolio includes bespoke residential developments and community-focused projects designed around environmental performance and long-term sustainability principles.
Smith noted that wider specification of UK timber could deliver significant benefits across environmental, ecological and economic areas. He stressed that increasing the use of homegrown timber represents a practical opportunity for the construction sector to reduce environmental impact while supporting domestic industry.
The UK timber industry has been seeking stronger market recognition for locally sourced structural timber in recent years. Imported materials still dominate many construction supply chains despite increasing sustainability targets across the sector.
Campaign organisers believe greater awareness and technical understanding will help accelerate adoption of UK-grown timber products. Improved collaboration between architects, engineers and manufacturers is also expected to support future growth.
Timber engineering technologies continue to evolve. Advanced mass timber systems and engineered wood products are now being specified in a growing number of residential and commercial developments. These materials are helping the industry move towards more efficient and sustainable forms of construction.
The Trust UK C16 campaign was launched last year and has steadily gained support across the built environment sector. Industry engagement has expanded through collaboration with construction professionals, manufacturers and sustainability advocates committed to reducing the environmental impact of building activity.
James Brennan, Head of Marketing at BSW Group, welcomed the involvement of both specialists. He stated that their technical expertise and long-standing commitment to sustainable design would help strengthen the campaign’s next phase of development.
The campaign reflects wider industry efforts to position timber as a mainstream low-carbon building solution. Demand for renewable construction materials is expected to continue growing as climate targets become more ambitious and environmental regulations tighten across the UK construction market.
Industry observers believe homegrown timber could play a far greater role in future building projects if technical confidence, supply chain integration and awareness continue to improve throughout the sector.
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