Construction firms in the UK are quickly realising the potential benefits of one of the latest ways to use sustainable wood – cross-laminated timber (CLT).
CLT is manufactured from boards of quick-growing timber species, which are then stacked on a right angle and glued in layers of three, five or seven over their entire surface.
This makes for a very reliable and strong material that is commonly used throughout Europe in the construction of homes, as they are easily slotted into place in situ.
One of the latest fans of CLT is the Borough of Hackney in London, which is using the material in the construction of high-rise buildings. The deputy mayor of Hackney, Karen Alcock, said, “Using CLT enabled the buildings’ carbon footprint to be reduced. The quicker construction time [12 weeks] over traditional methods was important because the HCA imposed time constraints as part of its funding provision.”
The popularity of CLT could also be great news for those invested in quick-growing timber species as demand means higher prices and greater returns on investment.
There are many ways in which investors can now put their cash into sustainable and fast-growing timber plantations, like through Greenwood Management’s schemes in Brazil and Canada.
