Scotland’s Woodlands and Forests to Play Key Role in Achieving Zero Carbon Emissions by 2045

As Scotland works towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045, their woodlands and forestry sector will be playing a key role in their ability to achieve that goal. Scotland’s woodlands and forests have gown in land cover from 5% at the start of the 20^th century to 19% today. Edinburgh Napier University’s Center for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures has led research to determine the viability of using homegrown timber for the production of mass timber products and systems. The center’s work has proven that, with drying and processing, Scottish timber can indeed be used for a variety of higher-value purposes. Following these efforts, a number of Scottish-sourced timber products have been pilot manufactured, tested, and analyzed for use. Along with a consortium of partners, Construction Scotland Innovation Center (CSIC) is trialing homegrown timber in a live environment. The project will manufacture the first Scottish-sourced cross-laminated timber and nail-laminated timber housing unit using the UK’s only vacuum press at CSIC’s innovation factory. The show home will be presented at COP26 United Nations conference on climate change in Glasgow later this year.