A new initiative from Sustainable Buildings Alliance member Woodknowledge Wales is aiming to deliver transformation of construction practices by championing regenerative materials from supply chain to site.
The mission of the Regenerative Materials First project is to inspire the construction industry to embrace materials that are produced and applied in ways that benefit the natural environment and society, helping restore natural resources, enhance biodiversity, and boost the local economy. Home-grown timber and other bio-based options like straw or hemp, and reclaimed or recycled materials, including reclaimed steel, are prime examples of materials that simultaneously reduce environmental impact and create economic opportunities for local supply chains.
The initiative runs from 2025-2028 and focuses on developing new models for procurement and building, via a transformational hub curated by Woodknowledge Wales. It will unite innovators across construction sectors to explore and promote the use of regenerative materials in non-residential buildings.
A call to innovators: Join the movement
Wood Knowledge Wales is now calling for six pioneering construction projects to serve as case studies, setting a new benchmark for sustainable building practices. Over the next three years, these trailblazer projects will demonstrate capacity building, from commissioning to completion, and provide real-world models for how to create sustainable, resource-efficient built environments. These projects will be local construction projects, such as schools or industrial units, that will heavily incorporate regenerative materials.
If you’re leading a construction project that aligns with these principles, Wood Knowledge Wales wants to hear from you.
Learn more about the initiative and get involved: Regenerative Materials First Project