Why should we use timber?
There is no more sustainable product than timber.It is from a managed source and more trees are planted than are felled securing future supplies.Timber is an extremely versatile product lending itself to all types of structural design.
Thermal efficiency of timber construction meets or exceed current regulations, UK homes account for 27% of all emissions. Ruth Kelly, The Communities Secretary, has pledged the Government wants to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050.

Wood for outdoor use is derived from a renewable resource.

It grows from the earth, is harvested, manufactured and used for decades or even centuries. Then, when its useful life span is ended, it returns to the earth.
This natural life cycle explains why wood for outdoor use is the environmentally sound choice when compared to alternative materials like concrete, plastic or metal. Only wood comes from a renewable, biodegradable resource. Today's sustainable forestry practices ensure a perpetual abundance of high-quality wood. Aluminum and concrete come from materials extracted from the earth. Once removed, they can never be replaced. Plastics are derived from dwindling petroleum reserves.

Of each tree harvested, 95% goes into useful products. The remaining 5%, the branches, is left on the forest floor to biodegrade into rich compost for the next crop.
Concerned about tomorrow? Wood's on your side.

Sustainability of Building Materials
_________________Wood______Steel_______Concrete
Energy Use:______Lowest____140%more____70% more
G-house Gases:___Lowest____45% more____81% more
Air Pollution:______Lowest____42% more____67% more
Water Pollu'n:_____Lowest___1900% more___90% more
Solid Waste:______Lowest____36% more____96% more
Eco Resource:____Lowest____16% more_____97% more

Source: The Athena Sustainable Materials Incentive