22 June, 2023
“Discussing Timber Myths”
Booklet by AMS Institute Challenges Obsolete Perceptions About Timber Construction
June 21, 2023 Amsterdam To confront a range of misperceptions around timber construction in Europe, AMS Institute has released a booklet which challenges a range of myths based on primary evidence and scientific and economic analysis. The study, the culmination of a research grant awarded by the Built by Nature Fund, aims to support the accelerated adoption of mass timber construction, presenting timber and mass timber as environmentally less harmful than traditional construction materials while becoming economically more viable.
The document, “Discussing Timber Myths” presents 12 commonly held misconceptions about timber in construction -- ranging from the durability and safety of timber, to timber being more expensive than traditional materials -- and refutes each myth with the latest science-based research and commercial assessments. The document was peer-reviewed with input from several of Europe’s leading experts in timber construction and forestry from the Technical University of Delft, Wageningen University & Research; the Institute for Advanced Architecture in Catalonia; the Danish Technological Institute, and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.
While the publication is written in a manner accessible to both expert and layperson audiences, a key objective is to provide a robust evidence base for strategic decision-making amongst investors, insurers, and policymakers, as well as practitioners in the development and construction sector.
According to co-author Joke Dufourmont, program developer at AMS Institute, “Building with timber could be one of the golden nuggets we have in the fight against climate change. As we set increasingly ambitious targets, we published this booklet to bring along as many stakeholders as possible in the timber transition, from insurers to constructors and from project developers to policy makers.”
Amanda Sturgeon, Chief Executive Officer, Built by Nature says: “We’re delighted by the final output of this Built by Nature-funded booklet, which systematically debunks several of the outdated misconceptions around timber construction. For too long, these legacy perceptions have stood as barriers to the adoption of mass timber and biobased materials, yet we know that the climate crisis demands that we shift mindsets as a vital step toward decarbonization of our built environment. With this document being well-received by our industry networks, Built by Nature congratulates the team at AMS Institute and its partners in delivering a timely, accessible, and important document.”
With the demonstrated environmental, economic, and societal advantages of timber construction, climate change, material scarcity, and housing shortages demand the adoption of alternative building materials and technologies that can drastically minimise environmental harm caused by the building sector. Building with timber is a credible solution: timber can be prefabricated, provides a healthy indoor climate, creates lower CO2 and nitrogen emissions, stores carbon and reflects fundamental principles of circularity and renewability.
About AMS Institute
Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS Institute) is the joint knowledge institute of TU Delft, Wageningen University & Research and MIT. In close collaboration with the City of Amsterdam, the institute tackles urgent urban challenges through science-based urban experimentation, education, and entrepreneurship.
About Built by Nature
Built by Nature is a network and grant-making connecting key actors across the built environment and forest communities to spark city-scale projects and amplify stories of ground-breaking timber projects and solutions. In close collaboration with its major partners and frontrunners, Built by Nature aims to change perceptions around timber construction and reshape the built environment system.
Contact
AMS Institute – Joke Dufourmont, joke.dufourmont@ams-institute.org
Built by Nature – Karianne Kraaijestein, k.kraaijestein@builtbn.org