Sustainable solutions
Building a better future — responsibly.
At Donaldson Timber Systems, sustainability isn’t an add-on, it’s at the heart of everything we do.
We believe that the homes of the future must be built responsibly: lower carbon, higher performance, and designed for longevity.
As one of the UK’s leading timber frame manufacturers, we deliver offsite manufactured systems that help our customers meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals while achieving Future Homes Standard compliance.
From renewable materials and precision engineering to reduced waste and lifetime energy efficiency, every solution we offer is designed to make sustainable construction practical, scalable, and achievable today.
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Building with timber: naturally low carbon
Timber is the only renewable structural building material that actively removes carbon from the atmosphere.
Every timber frame we manufacture locks in carbon for the lifetime of the building, helping reduce embodied emissions and move the housing industry closer to net zero.
At Donaldson Timber Systems we use responsibly sourced, FSC® and PEFC-certified structural timber. Our manufacturing processes maximise material efficiency, minimising waste and environmental impact at every stage.
Timber’s environmental advantages
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Renewable, recyclable, and carbon-storing.
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Significantly lower embodied carbon than steel or masonry.
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Fully traceable supply chain for transparency and assurance.
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Supports biodiversity and sustainable forestry practices.
Offsite manufacture: efficiency with purpose
By manufacturing our open- and closed-panel timber frame systems in controlled factory conditions, we reduce waste, improve accuracy, and cut transport emissions.
This modern method of construction (MMC) enables:
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Faster build programmes with fewer deliveries and less disruption.
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Minimal on-site waste, thanks to precision cutting and digital design.
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Improved health and safety, with most work completed in secure environments.
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Reduced energy use, both during construction and across the building’s life.
Our offsite approach aligns perfectly with the Future Homes Standard, supporting low-carbon building fabrics and energy-efficient performance.
Circular thinking: responsible manufacturing
We are committed to reducing the environmental footprint of every panel, process, and product:
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ISO 14001-certified environmental management ensures efficient use of resources.
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Manufacturing waste is recycled or reused wherever possible.
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Offcuts and by-products are repurposed for energy recovery.
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Continuous investment in automation and robotics further improves precision and reduces waste.
Every improvement we make moves us closer to a fully circular manufacturing model, where nothing goes to landfill and every resource delivers maximum value.
Energy efficiency built in
A sustainable home isn’t only defined by what it’s made from, it’s about how it performs.
Our Sigma® II closed-panel timber frame system and open-panel alternatives are designed to deliver exceptional fabric performance, achieving U-values as low as 0.12 W/m²K and airtightness levels below 3 m³/h·m².
These systems help housebuilders and housing associations meet increasingly demanding building regulations, reduce operational energy costs, and provide warm, efficient homes that last.
Supporting Net Zero Goals
The UK Government’s net zero ambitions rely on innovation across the construction sector.
By choosing timber frame, developers and housing providers can make an immediate impact:
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Reduce embodied and operational carbon.
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Increase Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) through offsite construction.
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Access funding and compliance advantages for low-carbon housing.
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Deliver sustainable communities that meet long-term housing and environmental needs.
Donaldson Timber Systems is proud to support customers in meeting these goals through proven, accredited, and future-ready timber systems.
Our promise is simple:
To design and manufacture timber frame systems that combine environmental responsibility, technical excellence, and long-term value.
Through innovation, integrity, and investment, Donaldson Timber Systems is helping the UK build the homes of tomorrow — greener, faster, and better.
Contact us to learn how our sustainable timber frame solutions can help you achieve your low-carbon and net zero targets.
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