Other materials...
Quick fire facts

Timber

Generally speaking is imported into the UK.

Softwood requires slow growing conditions in order for it to be strong enough to meet construction standards.

Hardwood can be grown in this country however many species of hardwood require warmer temperatures. The tree growth is slow for hardwoods and particularly slow within this country.

This means large transport distances are involved when constructing in timber.

Concrete

Cement requires raw materials from the ground and from recycled by-products. The cement is then produce in an industrial plant and distributed to local distributers. This whole process can be achieved within the UK. However it generally involves multiple stages of transport from raw materials to construction site.

Steel

Like concrete involves raw materials and recycled materials. These are again transported to a secondary stage for refinement before reaching a site.