Timber Works at Ecobuild

Timber is the most environmentally-friendly building material known to man, and Ecobuild, billed as the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, is the perfect environment for The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) to showcase the unique environmental, design, aesthetic and structural benefits of timber.

Timber is the original green building material and its carbon credentials will trump any other construction material. Ecobuild helps to set the agenda for a sustainable construction industry – increasingly important as the world continues to target low carbon economies – and is a great marketing opportunity for the timber industry.

In addition to having a stand, the TTF is increasing its presence at the show by sponsoring the Timber Works section. We hope this will raise the profile of the UK’s leading timber trade association still further, highlight its commitment to sustainable building and, ultimately, increase the use of wood.

Seminars

Two seminars are being run as part of the sponsorship.

“The value of sustainable timber in construction” seminar will show why the industry needs to actively embrace sustainability at this time of concern and action over the environment and climate change and how using timber in construction can support sustainable approaches.

The seminar will be chaired by Jeff Kersey of Jacobs Engineering. Rachel Butler, the TTF’s head of sustainability, who has organised seminar, will be presenting the benefits of taking a sustainable approach. Other speakers include Rupert Scott of TRADA, who will discuss how using timber helps to meet codes and regulations; and Frank Werling from Finnforest who will offer advice on achieving codes and regulations in practice.

There will also be a seminar on Eurocode 5, hosted in conjunction with TRADA.

Visitors to Ecobuild will also be able to visit the TTF stand to learn more about its environmental due diligence tool, the Responsible Purchasing Policy, as well as discussing in detail some of the other issues affecting the industry.

Some of the most influential organisations and individuals in the construction industry, worldwide, will attend Ecobuild 2010 and it’s vital that they understand the environmental benefits of using timber in construction and the steps that have been taken to ensure wood in the UK is sourced responsibly.

The TTF is regularly consulted by government, NGOs and sister organisations on issues affecting the wood industry and therefore it is crucial that we’re actively involved in events such as Ecobuild which allow us to help shape a successful future for our members.

I’m very much looking forward to meeting current and prospective members at the show and urge visitors to attend our seminars and visit the stand to ask questions and obtain expert guidance on sustainable construction and the benefits of wood and wood products.

To find out more about the TTF or discuss membership, go to www.ttf.co.uk or tel: 020 3205 0067. Alternatively, visit the TTF stand TW10 in the Timber Works area of Ecobuild. More information about Ecobuild 2010 is available at www.ecobuild.co.uk.