Matching consumer knowledge with industrial and municipal strategies to increase markets for low-carbon housing and wood construction (KnockOnWood)

Wood in construction is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for urban consumers, construction companies, and municipalities keen on advancing and benefiting from new low-carbon building solutions. Wooden multi-storey construction (WMC) has a high potential to satisfy the housing needs of the growing urban population in Finland and Sweden. However, WMC market diffusion has been slow, despite the changes in the regulatory frameworks and ample promotional efforts in both countries.

This comparative research project relies on quantitative and qualitative methodology, to investigate (1) consumer preferences on and experiences of housing in newly built WMC and concrete-framed apartments. In addition, it explores how these can be best linked up with (2) wood and construction industries’ strategies and (3) municipalities’ efforts towards sustainability and carbon neutrality goals in the building and housing sector. Through synthesizing findings of the three sub-studies, the project will highlight key barriers and enabling factors for positive WMC market development.

Project is implemented with Tandem Forest Values II funding. Consortium partners are University of Helsinki (coordination), Luke, and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).