The role of wood in healthy buildings
In This Series
- Assessment of the durability and engineering properties of lesser-known hardwood timber species for use in marine and freshwater construction
- Avoiding landfill through effective wood waste disposal and a shift in product focus
- Bracing for non-domestic timber trussed rafter roofs
- Environmentally responsible construction: Community wood recycling
- Joinery - saving on timber waste disposal and heating cost

The impact our buildings have on how we work, heal, learn and rest is highly significant, whether it is productivity in offices, patient recovery, student performance, or our own comfort at home – all are influenced by the indoor environment and the design, products and systems used to create and furnish our buildings.
This briefing document examines the increasing role that wood is playing within the field of healthy buildings, expanding and supporting the use of timber in construction.
Contents
1: Introduction
2: What makes a building healthy?
3: Regulations and certification
4: The evidence for using timber and wood products within healthy buildings
5: Specifying timber for healthy buildings
6: The future of healthy buildings
Suggested Reading
A short introduction to cross-laminated timber
The well-known environmental advantages of using timber as a construction material, coupled with the wider technical and performance benefits of products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (glulam), are enabling the construction industry to deliver innovative and cost effective timber buildings.
Article from Timber 2016 Industry Yearbook
01/01/2016 | Magazine Article
Achieving long-lasting timber fencing through specification
Ben Sharples looks at the considerations for durable timber fencing.
Article from the TRADA Timber Industry Yearbook 2015
01/01/2015 | Magazine Article
Aiming high with glulam
Andrew Lawrence, Arup's Timber Specialist, discusses the potential for tall wood buildings.
Article from the TRADA Timber Industry Yearbook 2014
01/01/2014 | Magazine Article