A delegation of industry and Government representatives from Japan visited the UK at the beginning of December to learn about sustainable homes, with particular focus on understanding the Green Guide for Specification and how treated timber and other timber products are promoted as sustainable options within this framework.

Hosted by BRE, the delegation spent three days visiting a variety of companies, including UKTFA member companies and their construction sites. Visits were arranged to SmartLIFE in Cambridge, and Pinewood Structures’ and Potton’s timber frame factories. The tour ended at a Taylor Lane site in Newbury to learn about the timber frame construction process.

The trip was a great success and the group has now returned to Japan with much to consider for influencing the growth of timber frame in their own country. They would like to thank everyone who helped with the tour, including all the other offers received from UKTFA members that they were unable to take advantage of due to time limitations.