Endorsements from key UK insurance bodies

The Mass Timber Insurance Playbook, first published in May 2023, has been updated with endorsements from three major UK insurance organisations.

According to a report by the Fire Protection Association, the updated playbook has received backing from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the Fire Protection Association (FPA), and RISCAuthority.

Since its release, the playbook has been downloaded 7,500 times and is widely regarded as a resource for managing risks associated with mass timber buildings.

The revised version, released on 4 December 2024, celebrates these additional endorsements while retaining its original content.

Insights from the authors

The playbook was authored by Professor Jim Glockling and Philip Callow, both experts in the field of insurance.

Professor Glockling, who has over 19 years of experience as the FPA and RISCAuthority Technical Director, commented on the importance of addressing the risks associated with mass timber buildings: “The need for, and challenges presented by, mass timber buildings must never be underestimated and solutions supporting progress are urgently required.”

Philip Callow, the founder and CEO of Rosetta Risk Management, has over 22 years of experience in construction insurance and innovation.

The playbook enables collaboration between insurers and construction teams to achieve more equitable insurance outcomes.

International impact of the playbook

The Mass Timber Insurance Playbook has drawn global attention.

A US-specific version was developed by Mike Hastings of Hastings Risk Management and published by Woodworks on 14 November, with contributions from the original authors.

This expansion highlights the playbook’s relevance in addressing mass timber risks and creating opportunities for improved construction practices worldwide.

Free webinar hosted by ASBP

The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP), which managed the playbook’s development, is hosting a free webinar on 4 December from 1-2pm.

The session will feature authors, industry supporters, and funders discussing the latest developments in the construction and insuring of mass timber buildings.

The playbook was funded by Built by Nature, with additional contributions from Marsh and Zurich Resilience Solutions.

It has also received endorsements from organisations such as the London Engineering Group, RIBA, and TDUK.

Updated Mass Timber Insurance Playbook gains new UK insurance endorsements: Summary

The Mass Timber Insurance Playbook has been updated to include endorsements from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the Fire Protection Association (FPA), and RISCAuthority.

Originally launched in May 2023, the playbook has been downloaded 7,500 times and provides guidance on managing risks associated with mass timber buildings.

Authored by experts Jim Glockling and Philip Callow, the playbook fosters collaboration between construction teams and insurers.

A US-specific version was recently published by Woodworks, expanding its international reach.

The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) will host a free webinar on 4 December to celebrate the relaunch.

The updated version is available for free download on the ASBP website.