Green conscience

The numbers speak for themselves – building with wood is environmentally friendly. Energy and environmental advisor Kari Ekker has several calculations to support this.

To determine the carbon footprint of a building, you need to consider its entire lifecycle. Even though the calculations can be complex, there is no doubt that wood has a lower carbon footprint compared to materials like steel and concrete.

“It’s important to look at the bigger picture. The building should be beneficial for both humans and the environment”, says Kari.

There are numerous environmental advantages to using wood. Experience shows that the construction of timber buildings results in less dust compared to cast-in-place concrete. Other benefits include reduced waste on the construction site, meaning less cutting and waste when the elements arrive ready-made from the factory. Where possible, locally sourced wood can also be utilized.

“Norway has abundant forests and many timber producers, so wood is a local resource we should make use of. For the “Spor X” project in Drammen, the solid wood elements were produced in Åmot in Modum, just a half-hour away from the construction site, and all the wood is Norwegian. When the material is locally sourced, we save a lot on transportation”, says Kari.

Another compelling reason to use wood is its contribution to improved indoor environment and air quality.

“If we use untreated wood, it will be healthier for the indoor climate compared to, for example, painted or lacquered surfaces”, says Kari.

Sweco’s extensive network of architects and engineers across Norway enables us to assemble teams that are diverse and innovative. This diversity in disciplines and experiences allows us to think creatively and explore unconventional solutions.

“As an energy advisor, it is inspiring to be part of a process that considers both the outdoor and indoor climate, from the initial concept to the final construction stage”, says Kari.

Kari thinks it’s great that wood is gaining popularity again, especially because she is part of a solid and interdisciplinary professional community.

“We see a significant interest in building with wood and an increasing number of new solutions and types of buildings that can be constructed with wood. New suppliers are emerging, and we’re gaining more experience. The interest is largely driven by a desire to build sustainably, including meeting the requirements of the EU taxonomy”, says Kari.