OFFSITE timber frame manufacturer Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) has published third party accredited environmental product declarations (EPD) for its full wall panel range.
Last year, the DTS open panel Alpha system became the first offsite-assembled timber frame wall panel in the UK to offer an approved EPD. DTS revealed it now also holds EPDs for its pre-insulated wall system, Delta; and the award-winning closed panel system, Sigma II solid stud and Sigma II I stud.
The EPD, which communicates the environmental performance of a product over its lifetime, allows customers to measure their carbon footprint and make informed decisions on the best product choices to meet sustainability goals. It also improves transparency regarding product performance claims.
Valid for five years, the EPD is based on current available and published data for end-of-life assumptions. DTS is working on EPDs for its full product range, with floor and roof systems to follow.
Technical director John Smith said, “We always champion the use of offsite timber frame construction as the best way to achieve sustainable building practices and meet net zero targets but telling customers this is no longer enough. If we are to make meaningful change, all environmental claims need to be backed up with proof. The only way to achieve zero carbon is to measure and reduce the whole-life carbon of buildings. The availability of environmental product declarations (EPDs) is an important step in recognising this.
“We’re proud to be leading the industry with proof that timber frame is a carbon sink, and we’re thrilled that we’re already seeing significant improvements on the EPD we achieved for our Alpha system just six months ago.”
Along with an EPD, Sigma® II has achieved a range of third-party approvals, including BOPAS Plus, BBA, NHBC Accepts and STA Gold Assure. Sigma® II was also the first timber system verified by Cast to exceed Homes England (HE) Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) target of 55%, achieving up to 58.4%.
For more information on sustainable construction and reducing carbon impact, DTS is hosting a webinar on 14 May. To register for ‘Building a Sustainable Future: Unlocking the Power of Timber Frame to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint’, visit this link: https://www.donaldsontimbersystems.com/training-and-events/
