The Timber Ban | UK Regulations Killing Innovation & Blocking Net Zero?

Are the UK’s building regulations stalling progress towards net zero? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we discuss how current policies and industry fears are limiting the use of sustainable materials like timber. From towering timber structures in Japan to the challenges of insuring low-carbon buildings in the UK, we explore whether regulation is holding back innovation in sustainable architecture.


Key Takeaways

UK regulations restrict timber use – Anything above 18 metres eliminates timber as an option, limiting low-carbon building solutions.

Global precedents exist – Countries like Japan build 40-storey timber buildings in earthquake zones, proving it’s possible.

Insurance and mortgageability issues – Even when a building meets regulations, insurers and mortgage lenders may still refuse support.

Grenfell’s legacy – While safety reforms were necessary, the reaction may have unfairly impacted timber as a building material.

Embodied carbon matters – Reducing operational energy alone isn’t enough; the carbon cost of materials must be considered.

Retrofit first – The best sustainability strategy is upgrading existing structures rather than defaulting to new builds.

Timber can be a net carbon sink – Responsibly sourced timber absorbs more carbon than it emits, offering a sustainable alternative.

Smarter design can reduce emissions – Combining minimal concrete with well-planned timber structures can significantly lower embodied carbon.


Best Moments

“Buildings going up in Japan that are like 40 storeys in timber, which has got earthquakes and all sorts of stuff we don’t have here.”

“Retrofit first for me always makes sense.”

“If your top floor is above 18 metres, timber’s gone. I don’t get it, I think it’s an overreaction.”

“We have to learn from Grenfell, but also not learn the wrong things.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

Jon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroyd

Oliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=uk

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Sustainable Design with Kelly Alvarez Doran

Is the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

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