This roadmap is a first step for Nordic municipalities who want to explore the possibilities that wood offers in building greener, healthier and more liveable towns and cities. It guides you through the process from conception through construction, to operation and maintenance, and finally end-of-life. The different sections contain relevant links and resources at a national level, where you can learn more about the situation where you are.
The Nordic countries and municipalities have different levels of experience and knowledge when it comes to building with wood. Municipalities with little or no experience and knowledge about wood construction can seek inspiration from more experienced cities and municipalities such as Växjö, Trondheim and Skellefteå. Links to the different strategies for the municipalities are below.
The industry, assisted hugely by the wood construction R&D institutes operating in Skellefteå as well as the municipality, is realising the vision of sustainable construction using wood. Using innovative ideas and techniques we’re creating attractive, robust and sustainable living environments. For both the short and the long term. And we’re happy to share our knowledge and experience. You just have to ask!’
Some Nordic countries have developed strategies for increasing the use of wood in construction. Effective strategies can have a huge impact on the amount of wood construction projects. An example is Trästad Sweden, which is funded by the government to increase knowledge about wood construction.
Tender and procurement policies can be defined to promote sustainable buildings and cities. Several Nordic cities and municipalities have used LCA or carbon footprint criteria as a targeted policy instrument to guide the development of sustainable buildings and to achieve more wood in construction. Follow the links to read more about Finlands overall strategy to increase the use of wood in construction and how Helsinki promotes sustainable building via procurement policies.
"The interest in wood building is increasing throughout not only the construction industry but even with decision makers at all levels of government. They have come to realize the importance of wood in construction to actively mitigate climate change. WoodCity Sweden contributes to advance this development through the dissemination of knowledge, exchange of experience and collaboration."
There is a huge potential for increasing the use of wood in multi-storey and large-scale buildings. Inspiration can be drawn from past projects and finished buildings. Wood buildings have reached heights over 80 meters in Brumunddal, Norway and entire city districts have been built in Helsinki, Finland.
Nordic cities are growing due to urbanization and the resulting city densification means that there is a huge potential for multi-story wood buildings especially in the 3-10 story range. Links to historic projects are found below.
Information websites, which give you general technical knowledge about wood construction, are available in most of the Nordic countries. While it is a must to familiarise yourself with the information local to you, inspiration can also be sought from your Nordic neighbours. There are links to the different national information websites below.
