More than two decades after the Kyoto Protocol set the framework to tackle climate change and global warming, the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015 saw 196 countries agree to adopt the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal.

The agreement set out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to below 2°C with the agreement due to enter into force in 2020 and fully replace the Kyoto Protocol.

A key part of the eco-system that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is the action of plants, but high levels of de-forestation has not only diminished the ability to remove the gas via this method, but has also created additional issues, such as illegal logging.

At COP26, held in Glasgow during 2021, further progress was made in this area with more than 100 nations pledging to end de-forestation by 2030 and 28 countries signing up to the up to the new forests, agriculture, and commodity trade roadmap for action or FACT.

Within construction, energy efficiency, sustainable building solutions and advanced construction technologies have made a significant impact on building design both in residential and non-residential projects.

At Encasement, we’re playing our part in sustainable building solutions by offering products manufactured using materials that are either recyclable, incorporate recycled materials or are produced from sustainable and managed sources.

Key among these is our use only of UKTR compliant timbers in the manufacture of our plywood products. UKTR, or the UK Timber Regulations, came into force in 2021 following the UK’s exit from the European Community through Brexit.

Prior to this, all timbers supplied to the UK and European markets were covered by the European Timber Regulations – EUTR. Following Brexit, the scope of the EUTR legislation was adopted by the UK and it provides the same level of safeguarding against the illegal supply and sourcing of timber in the UK under UKTR.

We also use aluminium and steel extensively in our column casing range, both of which are readily recyclable and already contain a proportion of recycled material. Care for the environment, energy efficiency, recycling and sustainability are fundamental parts of everyday life and the widespread adoption of sustainable materials in building and construction is an important aspect of this process.

We will continue to develop and explore sustainable products and alternatives to ensure we can contribute to a sustainable future.