How To Source Sustainable Timber

Make sure the wood you use in your self build is from a sustainable source. Use our guide to get what you need.

By Sarah Warwick

What Is Sustainable Timber?

Timber is sustainable if it comes from a well-managed forest. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, and this isn't released when they are harvested and used for timber. In a well-managed forest, more trees are replanted than cut so the forest can continue to absorb carbon dioxide.

There are various schemes to help you identify sustainably sourced timber. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has a certification scheme that means the timber comes from forests that are responsibly harvested and managed following its social and environmental criteria.

Likewise, PEFC certifies timber so you can identify that it’s from a sustainably managed forest.

The WWF recommends that you should look for FSC – or PEFC logos – on the specific product you’re considering buying. A company can be licensed to handle FSC wood – FSC chain of custody certified – but this doesn’t mean all the products are made from FSC wood.

Most of the wood used in the UK comes from European forests, which are considered to be generally well managed.

What Are The Benefits Of Sustainable Timber?

As well as the plus points of using wood generally, sustainable timber has other benefits:

Wood is considered as carbon neutral because trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow.
It has good thermal insulation properties.
If you use sustainable timber, you are contributing to the growth of forests, which absorb carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas.
Using sustainable timber contributes points towards the sustainability rating in the Code for Sustainable Homes, the government’s ratings scheme for new homes.