The new information resource is the central element of Wood for Good’s Wood First Plus initiative to make it easier and more attractive for architects and other specifiers, designers and builders to choose and use timber.
It will include timber and wood products life cycle analysis, and other data for use in Building Information Modelling (BIM), the software-based approach for all parties working on a construction project to plan and manage it, and shape its cradle to grave environmental performance.
Architect Craig White, a leading exponent of modern timber building in the UK and Wood for Good’s new chairman, said the new project underlined a transition in the campaign.
"The emphasis before was spreading the word about wood in the broadest sense," he said. "Now we’re getting more specific and focused on providing the data, such as life cycle analysis and BIM-applicable information, to help the construction sector use wood and feel more comfortable in specifiying it – and it will also help in navigating the EU Construction Products Regulation and CE marking."
Timber businesses will also be able to access the data and use a "platform" on the website to help them build it into Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
"EPDs are set to become a passport to construction specification," said Stuart Harker, TTF sustainability manager and project manager for Wood First Plus. "And the cost to SMEs of drawing together all the information they need and drafting them independently could run into thousands of pounds. Being able to use the Wood First Plus platform could be a real benefit and provide significant saving."
"We will also be able to repurpose information from the database to highlight the environmental and other performance aspects of specific products and product areas," said Wood for Good head of communications David Hopkins.
The LCA information for the project will be developed by consultants PE International.
The initial cost of seting up the database will be around £180,000 and is being borne by Wood for Good, the TTF, Forestry Commission Scotland, and Scottish Enterprise.
For more information contact Stuart Harker: sharker@ttf.co.uk.
