22 | Opinion: 2025 Predictions
Andrew Carpenter Structural Timber Association chief executive
In 2025, the Structural Timber Association (STA), in partnership with Timber Development UK (TDUK) and the Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor), is looking to build on the Timber in Construction Roadmap, a key initiative that aligns with the UK’s goal of delivering 1.5 million homes while embedding sustainable practices across the industry. By prioritising decarbonisation as a cornerstone of growth, STA’s aim is to ensure timber remains a critical solution in addressing climate challenges and meeting net-zero targets. A significant focus of the STA’s advocacy in 2025 will be lobbying for the inclusion of Part Z into building regulations. This crucial regulatory change would mandate the assessment and reporting of embodied carbon in construction projects, aligning the industry with modern sustainability standards. By championing this integration, the STA aims to drive systemic change and prioritise environmental accountability in the built environment.
A significant focus of the
STA’s advocacy in 2025 will be lobbying for the inclusion of Part Z into building regulations... By championing this integration, the STA aims to drive systemic change
Collaboration will be instrumental in achieving these ambitious goals. The STA continues strengthening its relationships within the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), working closely with key partners TDUK and Confor. These partnerships are vital in creating a unified voice for timber, promoting its benefits, and addressing industry-wide challenges. Additionally, the STA’s ongoing collaboration with Homes England underscores its commitment to aligning timber construction with national housing strategies, ensuring timber solutions are part of the conversation in addressing housing needs.
Internally, the STA has expanded its resources to ensure that it can deliver for its members. With new expertise and capacity, the STA’s enhanced team – affectionately dubbed the ‘A-Team’ – can deliver on its goals with renewed focus and energy. This strengthened internal structure ensures that the STA is well-positioned to drive meaningful change, support its members effectively, and respond dynamically to the evolving needs of the sector.
2025 is positioned as the ‘year of delivery’ for the STA, marking a pivotal moment for the structural timber industry. With clear objectives, robust collaborations, and a commitment to sustainability, the STA is addressing current challenges and laying the groundwork for long-term industry transformation.
Through the combined efforts of its members, partners, and stakeholders, the STA is helping to establish timber as a material of choice, championing its role in building a greener, more sustainable future for construction in the UK. ■
TTJ | January/February 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
Gabriele de Col SCM Group UK managing director
No one denies that we live in complex times due to well-known factors linked to the international macroeconomic and geopolitical contexts. 2024, on balance, could align with the ‘pre-Covid’ economic dynamics, in an industry linked to real estate and to long-term market trends that are structurally destined to grow. The pandemic years were exceptional in every respect, including in terms of public stimuli to the economy. Now we are back to normal.
In this context, SCM has focused on continuing its strategic path to improve market share and launch new products dedicated to solving different production needs, from windows and door production to timber construction, from nesting CNC machining centres to edgebanding. SCM is gaining market share in engineering projects for large-scale industry, also leveraging on acquisitions like that of Tecno Logica, a developer of highly innovative, productive and flexible industrial systems.
At the same time, we have been consolidating our role as a preferred supplier in the small and medium woodworking industry, focused on product value offering and local service support.
With regards to the choices made by SCM over the years, we remain convinced that it is not enough to act as a technology partner. It’s paramount to continue investing in services and skills to support customers long term.
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