In Central Europe, timber construction has shifted from the margins towards becoming part of the construction mainstream. However, according to Antto Kauhanen, Development Manager of Stora Enso’s Wood Products business unit, Finland still lacks the ambition to promote timber construction. One contributing factor, he says, may be the modest practical measures taken by society to advance timber construction.
Wood stores significant amounts of carbon dioxide throughout a building’s life cycle. Forests act as carbon sinks, and the carbon storage is transferred to the structure for up to hundreds of years. After the building is dismantled, the materials can be reused. The construction sector produces about 11% of global carbon dioxide emissions—up to three times more than air travel. Emissions could be reduced by increasing the use of timber in construction.
Recent climate-related legislation has fallen short, as carbon limits were set at a level that does not force changes to current practices. As a result, timber construction is not getting the necessary push towards the mainstream.
Conservatism in the Construction Sector as a Brake
Industrial timber construction is progressing slowly in Finland, even though its climate benefits are indisputable. Despite Finland being a heavily forested country, the use of wood in construction has not gained as strong a foothold as in many other European countries. According to Kauhanen, Finland’s slow transition is linked to both technological and structural challenges, but above all to attitudes, regulation, and the slow evolution of market practices.
One major obstacle to timber construction, in his view, is the conservatism of the construction sector. Architects may want to use wood, but the necessary systems have not been established for it. As a result, projects can be uncertain and costs potentially higher. Kauhanen also believes that the special characteristics of timber construction currently do not receive enough attention in construction education.
We need designers, developers, and decision-makers with in-depth knowledge of the material and its ecological impacts. Only then will there be trust and readiness to adopt new solutions.
Wood is Perceived to Promote Well-Being
Stora Enso has built a new headquarters in Helsinki, serving as the latest flagship for timber construction in Finland. The goal was to create an ecological, low-carbon building with high indoor air quality and pleasant acoustics. Above all, the aim was to provide a work environment that supports well-being.
User experiences show that these goals have been met. According to Kauhanen, employees working in the office building feel that wood as a material supports creativity and community. In general, wood is perceived as promoting well-being, as its aesthetic qualities, natural feel, and warmth bring a sense of calm to spaces. Wood can also improve concentration and reduce stress.
Timber Buildings Are Not Necessarily More Expensive
Kauhanen says one reason for opposition to timber construction is the belief that it is expensive. However, this is not necessarily the case. A timber building made from industrially prefabricated CLT and LVL elements can be erected more quickly than a comparable concrete building, and the shorter construction phase means lower overall costs. Prefabrication also enables better quality control. The elements are produced in controlled conditions, reducing errors and making site coordination easier.
Finland Could Be a Leader in Sustainable Construction
Kauhanen believes that public construction plays a key role in the shift towards timber construction. Municipalities can influence the future building stock, as daycare centers, schools, and other public buildings offer the opportunity to choose low-carbon and healthy construction solutions.
The ambitious target of building 45% of new public buildings from wood by 2025 is not being met. The underlying reasons are decision-makers’ hesitation, lack of knowledge, and weak political support. The technology, products, and know-how already exist—what’s needed now are decisions.
According to him, Finland has the resources to become a pioneer in sustainable construction. However, this will require breaking down structural barriers, strengthening expertise, and showing political courage.
Photo: Antto Kauhanen, Development Manager of Stora Enso’s Wood Products business unit. Photographer: Tomi Parkkonen.