MainWood

Background

Timber engineering and construction concepts have immense potential to reduce carbon emissions. The use of biomaterials in the construction industry allows for increased carbon storage and reduced energy-related emissions. But scaling-up wood construction has crosssectoral implications. As part of a larger consortium the FORM team will look into the potential of Swiss forests to provide various timber assortments and timber-based products for the construction industry. The impact climate change will have on this potential, as well as which forest management approaches are best suited to meet industry needs.
Starting in spring 2023 MainWood will – over the coming three years - provide the scientific basis for the transition to construction bioeconomy in Switzerland and beyond. Working across the wood construction supply chain, the MainWood research team will additionally research new wood-based construction materials, innovative design and construction, life cycle assessment, and retrofitting concepts. MainWood is also working with policy and societal actors to contribute to a transition to a circular bioeconomy that connects rural and urban landscapes.