Low carbon building
Low carbon building: the sustainable way forward.
Why timber frame is key to building better, greener homes.
The way we build homes is changing and timber is at the heart of that change.
As the UK moves towards net zero and the Future Homes Standard, reducing carbon emissions from construction is no longer optional; it’s essential.
At Donaldson Timber Systems, we’re helping housebuilders, housing associations and developers create low-carbon, energy-efficient homes that are durable, sustainable and built for future generations.
Why timber is the natural choice
Timber is the only mainstream building material that is renewable, recyclable and carbon-storing.
Every timber frame home locks carbon into its structure for decades, helping to offset emissions that would otherwise contribute to climate change.
When combined with our offsite manufacturing processes, timber frame offers a powerful route to lower-carbon construction by:
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Reducing embodied carbon through the use of sustainably sourced structural timber.
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Minimising waste with precision offsite manufacturing and digital design.
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Cutting transport and on-site emissions with just-in-time delivery and fast assembly.
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Improving energy performance, reducing operational carbon across the building’s lifetime.
Designed for durable, sustainable communities
Low-carbon building isn’t just about materials, it’s about creating long-term value for people and places.
Timber frame homes are warm, efficient and comfortable, supporting sustainable communities where people can thrive.
Durable structures with proven strength and performance, with a certified 60-year design life.
Healthy homes with natural materials, excellent insulation and improved air quality.
Efficient neighbourhoods as homes are built faster with less disruption and waste.
Attractive environments with sustainable developments that balance performance with wellbeing.
Every home built with our timber systems contributes to a cleaner environment and a better standard of living, from first foundation to family move-in.
Offsite precision for lower impact
Our automated, offsite manufacturing facilities reduce the carbon footprint of construction by controlling every stage of production.
Panels are built to exact tolerances, using only the materials required, and assembled on site with minimal waste. This approach supports:
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Higher pre-manufactured value (PMV) with more of the build completed in low-carbon factory conditions.
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Consistent quality and airtightness, improving energy efficiency and reducing heating demand.
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Predictable performance aligned with the Future Homes Standard.
Building the future, responsibly
Low-carbon timber construction is not a trend, it’s the foundation of the UK’s housing future.
By choosing us, you’re partnering with a business that combines over 50 years of timber frame innovation with a long-term commitment to sustainability, quality and performance.
From affordable housing to large-scale regeneration, our timber systems help deliver sustainable new communities that are:
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Environmentally responsible
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Economically viable
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Socially enriching
Why timber is the lowest carbon material on the planet
Timber is nature’s own carbon store — renewable, sustainable, and uniquely powerful in the fight against climate change.
Every timber frame we build locks away carbon for decades, reducing emissions and supporting the UK’s journey to net zero.
It’s strong, versatile, and proven, the lowest carbon building material on the planet.
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