The timber industry is planning to present a united front at the government’s Delivering Sustainable Communities Summit, billed as the largest event of its kind in the UK.
The three-day summit, organised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), will be hosted by John Prescott, who is advocating off-site building systems such as timber frame to help deliver his £38bn Sustainable Communities Plan.
Organisations planning a timber industry stand at the summit’s exhibition include the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA), the Timber Trade Federation (TTF), wood. for good and the English Forest Industries Partnership.
UKTFA chief executive Bryan Woodley said it was better for the industry to present a united front rather than offer a disjointed showing.
He said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity. The government will be setting out its future policy in terms of construction of buildings. In particular, it’s going to be setting out the framework for the Code for Sustainable Building.
“It’s a good opportunity for the timber industry to understand government policy and to see how to use the benefits of timber within buildings to best effect.”
The TTF’s head of public affairs Mark O’Brien said: “The TTF fully supports this initiative and is considering how best it can involve itself in the summit. We are already seeking to take part in the drafting of the Code for Sustainable Building and are waiting to hear from the ODPM regarding our involvement.”
The summit, to be chaired by TV presenter Nick Ross, will be at Manchester’s G-MEX conference centre on January 31-February 2, 2005. About 2,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the conference, exhibition, workshops and master classes.
