FRA has lent its support to a new campaign in the UK that calls upon the public sector to lead the way in terms of opting to use wood as a primary building material.

Seattle, United States, May 12, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has lent its support to a new campaign in the UK that calls upon the public sector to lead the way in terms of opting to use wood as a primary building material.

Wood for Good has launched the “Wood First” campaign, which it hopes will encourage local authorities and councils to consider sustainably sources wood as a primary building materials on projects. A key part of France’s climate policy is to encourage the use of timber in building and the Wood First campaign hopes to replicate this in the UK.

The campaign is part of Wood for Good’s aim to make the use of sustainable timber a more viable option for construction projects around the UK. One London borough is thought to be considering adopting the policy, claims FRA, a research and analysis consultancy specialising in forestry investment and timber products.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, explained, “It’s all down to the fact that growing timber helps to reduce the amount of CO2 we emit because trees absorb carbon.

“The more trees we plant and the more land we cover in forests, the more carbon is absorbed and the best way to ensure more trees are planted is to use more wood in the construction industry.”

Wood for Good’s Head of External Affairs, David Hopkins, said, “Increasing forest cover is recognised as one of the most effective weapons we have in the battle against climate change, and the best way to achieve this is to stimulate demand for sustainable timber and wood products. The introduction of a Wood First rule will help to make this happen.”

FRA supports forestry investment as a way to encourage sustainability. Projects like Greenwood Management’s teak and acacia plantations in Brazil offer investors the chance to invest in an ethical option while making healthy returns, claims FRA.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com