Another common concern is deforestation, but Hairstans argues that properly managed forestry is part of the solution. “It’s funny—people don’t question the environmental cost of mining for concrete or steel, but when it comes to timber, suddenly there’s concern about sustainability. The truth is, we can grow more trees than we cut down—and in some countries like Sweden, three are planted for every tree cut down,” he told us.
Cutting-edge technology in timber
Integrating digital tools, AI, and automation significantly makes offsite timber construction more efficient and scalable. “There’s a huge data and traceability element in modern construction,” says Hairstans.
“From tracking trees in forestry to cutting and processing timber, to assembling buildings and monitoring their performance—we need digital interoperability to ensure everything is managed efficiently,” he added.