Barriers, Opportunities and Recommendations to Enhance the Adoption of Timber in the Construction Industry as the Best Practice in the Circular Economy
Cheraghali, Mahdi (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024100826227
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024100826227
Tiivistelmä
With the construction sector responsible for over 23% of global carbon dioxide emissions and massive resource consumption, it is one of the leading global contributors to both material waste and emissions. In the EU, it causes 35% of CO2 emissions and significant waste. The EU aims to recycle 70-90% of construction and demolition waste. Adopting Circular Economy principles, which emphasise resource reuse and waste reduction, and enhancing the application of timber in construction could significantly lower the sector's environmental impact.
This study, through literature review analysed the environmental, practical, and social benefits associated to wood as a main material in the built environment industry, focusing over transition toward sustainable construction practices. A case study in Finland has been used to comparative analysis of wooden and concrete buildings to evaluate the impacts of both on sustainability, construction efficiency, and the overall satisfaction of the residents. The study also through semi-structured interviews identifies several challenges for broad use of wood in construction, including lack of knowledge, public perception issues, and existing regulatory frameworks that favour traditional materials. To address these challenges, the study recommends updating building codes to facilitate fast and repetitive construction, implementing governmental incentives, municipal urban planning and increasing stakeholder awareness. Resident satisfaction was also studied through online surveys and a case study, results showed wooden buildings being preferred mostly for their sustainability benefits, and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, they identified many challenges they are facing including bad sound insulation, moisture and lack of ventilation. Ironically, 99% stated that they would select wooden houses in case of looking for another home despite challenges.
This study, through literature review analysed the environmental, practical, and social benefits associated to wood as a main material in the built environment industry, focusing over transition toward sustainable construction practices. A case study in Finland has been used to comparative analysis of wooden and concrete buildings to evaluate the impacts of both on sustainability, construction efficiency, and the overall satisfaction of the residents. The study also through semi-structured interviews identifies several challenges for broad use of wood in construction, including lack of knowledge, public perception issues, and existing regulatory frameworks that favour traditional materials. To address these challenges, the study recommends updating building codes to facilitate fast and repetitive construction, implementing governmental incentives, municipal urban planning and increasing stakeholder awareness. Resident satisfaction was also studied through online surveys and a case study, results showed wooden buildings being preferred mostly for their sustainability benefits, and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, they identified many challenges they are facing including bad sound insulation, moisture and lack of ventilation. Ironically, 99% stated that they would select wooden houses in case of looking for another home despite challenges.