Building under construction

SEK 119 million allocated to research will strengthen sustainable timber construction

The construction and infrastructure sector accounts for approximately 20 percent of Sweden's carbon emissions. Replacing non-renewable construction materials with timber has significant potential for reducing climate impact. With, among other sources, SEK 48 million in support from the Knowledge Foundation, researchers at Linnaeus University will now study how wood-based products can be improved in terms of resource efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

The construction and infrastructure sector accounts for approximately 20 percent of Sweden's carbon emissions. Replacing non-renewable construction materials with timber has significant potential for reducing climate impact. With, among other sources, SEK 48 million in support from the Knowledge Foundation, researchers at Linnaeus University will now study how wood-based products can be improved in terms of resource efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

The research project, "Competitive timber structures – Resource efficiency and climate benefits along the wood value chain through engineering design", is funded with SEK 48 million over eight years within the framework of the Knowledge Foundation's Research Profiles programme. In addition to the foundation's funding, Linnaeus University contributes over SEK 30 million, and the industry contributes at least SEK 40 million. In total, 18 companies are participating, collectively providing matching funding to that of the Knowledge Foundation. The initiative also includes the financing of externally employed doctoral students.

"Building with timber will be crucial for the transition to a sustainable and bio-based construction sector. To enhance the competitiveness of timber construction, we will now study opportunities to optimise resource utilisation in the design of wood-based building products and structures. We will take a comprehensive approach on the entire value chain, from the forest, through the development and production of materials and components, to ensuring high performance and long lifespan for buildings," says Thomas Bader, professor of construction engineering at Linnaeus University, who will lead the project.

The research project will be conducted within a strong research environment at Linnaeus University, with expertise along the entire value chain for the processing of forest raw materials, including sustainable forestry, fossil-free wood-based products, bioenergy, and sustainable construction with timber.

"With this joint investment in sustainable timber construction, Linnaeus University and the Faculty of Technology, in collaboration with external partner companies and the Knowledge Foundation, are taking further steps toward a complete knowledge environment with cutting-edge research and specialised education with focus on the values of the forest," says vice-chancellor Peter Aronsson.

The programme is a strategic initiative targeting research and educational environments that have made significant progress in their development and have clear ambitions for the future. The research agenda is formulated and implemented in coproduction with corporate partners.

"For us, collaboration with academia in research and education is important for building new knowledge and strengthening competence supply within the field. Together with Linnaeus University, we have previously carried out several successful research projects, and we look forward to the long-term work on this research profile", says Kristoffer Segerholm, corporate representative for Södra, one of the participating companies in the project.

In addition to Södra, other participating companies include Arkitektbolaget Kronoberg, Dalahus, Derome, Dynalyse, Granitor, GBO Fastening Systems, Holmen Trävaror, IKEA, Saab, Setra Trävaror, Skanska, Södra Skogsägarna, Torps Byggelement, VIDA, Växjö Kommunföretag, Wingårdh Arkitektkontor, CBBT, and Svenskt Trä.

Since 2000, the Knowledge Foundation has granted a total of SEK 1.3 billion within the programme and SEK 217 million (since 2010) to the field of civil engineering.

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