Steve Winscott, company director at Nine Zero Timber Windows and Doors explains why introducing or expanding your timber range is a commercial must.

As someone who’s spent 20 years in the industry, I’ve seen materials come and go, trends rise and fall, and regulations grow ever stricter. But one thing has become crystal clear in recent years: sustainability isn’t just a box to tick in building. It’s a business-critical priority.

Timber is no longer the ‘old-fashioned option’, and Nine Zero has always been totally committed to bringing any installers still thinking that way up to speed on the low carbon and eco-friendly solution it provides.

As restrictions on U-values get lower, and the government’s Net Zero Strategy progresses, timber windows and doors are the smart choice for futureproof projects.

Nine Zero x Net Zero

We all know the construction sector is facing a huge challenge to cut carbon emissions and meet the zero target by 2050. That’s where timber comes into its own. Unlike aluminium or PVC-U, timber is renewable, energy-efficient, and works with the environment, not against it.

Take carbon storage, for example. Timber absorbs CO₂ while it grows, locking it away for the lifetime of the product. And when you combine this with its natural insulating properties, you’ve got a material that helps reduce a building’s operational energy usage too. That means lower energy bills for homeowners – a huge selling point now more than ever – and a smaller carbon footprint for the project you’re working on.

At Nine Zero, we only use FSC-certified timber – a mix of Engineered Redwood, Engineered Red Grandis, Accoya and Abodo. It’s responsibly harvested, supports sustainable forestry, and offers incredible performance. Timber also generates far less waste in production than materials like aluminium or PVC-U.

The business opportunity

Here’s the thing: the shift towards timber isn’t just about doing the right thing for the planet. It’s about staying ahead in a changing market.

Homeowners are demanding eco-friendly solutions. In fact, a 2024 study by Ovo Energy found that 83% of British homebuyers want properties with energy-efficient upgrades and lower carbon emissions. That’s not a trend, that’s a shift in expectations.

There’s a real opportunity for installers here. Timber ticks all the boxes for eco-conscious customers. It’s sustainable, it’s beautiful, and when paired with thermally efficient glazing, it helps homeowners reduce their energy bills. By offering timber, you’re showing you’re listening, positioning yourself as a leader in the market, ready to meet this growing demand.

And let’s not forget conservation areas and listed buildings. Timber is often the only acceptable material for these projects, so having the right knowledge and suppliers can open up even more opportunity.

Supporting installers

I know that making the switch to timber, or expanding your range of timber products, might feel like a big step.

But that’s where you need total trust in your supplier. With more than 30 years of collective experience in the Nine Zero team, giving expert guidance – on everything from product selection to navigating local authorities and complex building regulations – it’s all part of the service.

If you’re going to sell timber, you need to be confident of its plus points to be able to justify a higher price tag.

And it’s not just about the products. We walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. We recycle our timber waste, plant five trees for every order, and use as well as generate renewable energy to power local homes.

The road to Net Zero is going to have its challenges, but it’s also full of opportunities – if you’re ready to adapt. Timber isn’t just the sustainable choice; it’s one that’s going to help you win more work, meet changing regulations, and deliver what homeowners are looking for.