The Potential of Mass Timber Building for Future-proof Cities

Abstract

The latest generation of timber products enable complete multi storey neighbourhoods to be built from sustainably sourced softwood.
This chapter explores how a large-scale transition to timber building in urban environments could contribute to solving the three major global crises we are currently facing with climate, natural resources, and health. If key external determinants are used to set the right preconditions, by 2030, the combined forestry and construction sectors in Europe could mitigate23 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions and provide sufficient timber to sustainably meet housing demand in Europe while contributing significantly to the well-being of urban citizens.