The UK Government is currently running a public consultation on ‘the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings’. The proposals would affect every new residential building in the country with a floor level above 11m - approximately 4 storeys.
At Bioregional we wholeheartedly support the intent behind these proposed new safety measures, with a ban on combustible cladding materials including those that contributed to the horrifying Grenfell tragedy in June 2017.
But it is vitally important that any measures taken must not unnecessarily impede progress in achieving our carbon emission targets. Research across the country has shown that the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) is not only key to achieving zero-carbon homes, but when competently designed, can meet the highest safety standards.
We mustn’t forget that while the current global Covid-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc across the globe, the climate and ecological crisis will have far more devastating consequences.
The consultation on the ban on combustible materials closes at 11.45pm this coming Easter Monday, 13 April.
So this weekend, if you work in the building industry, while you stay at home to keep yourselves and families safe, please join our call to exclude CLT from the ban on combustible materials. Because as well as helping save lives now, we must keep doing everything we can to tackle the even bigger planetary crisis we face.
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