Review on the ban of combustibles and timber

The government is currently seeking views on the ban of the use of combustible materials in and on external walls of buildings including attachments. Wood for Good, like many others in the industry are concerned about the implications of this ban for the timber industry. 

Wood for Good supports the timber industry in its opposition of the proposed legislation.

Whilst we support and applaud the work being done to deliver stronger safety measures in building, the current proposed legislation on combustible materials unnecessarily threatens the use of structural timber that is proven to hold its structure safely in fires.

We know that timber can help the building and construction industry achieve ambitious net-zero carbon targets, but this proposed ban would effectively take wood 'off the table' as a safe, sustainable, low-carbon material. If such a ban was put in place it would deny the industry of a myriad of benefits unique to building with wood. 

We join the TTF and ACAN, among others, in calling for:

• Greater education and understanding around the use of structural timber in construction and its performance in fire. 
• To recognise the distinct differences between external cladding material and external structural material - and focus the ban on combustible cladding as opposed to external walls, which are not the same.
• A more holistic approach to the legislation, in line with updated Scottish legislation. 

We encourage you to read and follow advice on TTF and ACAN's pages and oppose the ban by submitting a response to the UK Government before the consultation closes on 25 May 2020. 

You can read more about how the proposed legislation threatens the industry here.

Image credit: ACAN