Development of timber and hybrid construction strategies for the municipalities of Kainuu

Wood construction has been included in a growing number of nationwide programmes, roadmaps and measures. Wood construction is part of the sustainability transition and provides the means necessary to fulfil climate obligations for the future of carbon neutrality and an environmentally sustainable Finland. The municipalities of Kainuu have seized upon the theme and as part of the “Kainuun metsäbiotalouden uusi ekosysteemi” project, they will, together, create commune specific strategies for timber and hybrid construction.

The preparatory work on the strategies for timber and hybrid construction was undertaken through a referral discussion for municipal representatives which helped them to understand how timber and hybrid construction is currently visible in their municipalities and how their promotion could support municipal strategies in the future. During the spring of 2022, MDI interviewed Kainuu’s municipal leaders and representatives of key stakeholders in order to obtain their views on the current state and future of each municipality in the field of timber construction. MDI also conducted an electronic survey for arcane wood construction operators and stakeholders to complement the information obtained through interviews. On the basis of documentary, survey and interview analyses, a draft development strategy was formed with Kainuu’s municipalities through a series of timber construction future workshops. In early summer, a pedestal webinar was conducted to present and discuss strategies.

MDI’s team was complemented by Eila Valtanen, forester, eMBA and advisor and Tuulikki Huusko, entrepreneur and timber specialist.