With the ecological transition gathering pace, building with locally produced timber makes complete sense. Regions with large forest coverage are well aware of this and are intent on showcasing the value of their production through certified origin labels, quality certificates, and other means. Initiatives like these are beginning to reap their rewards. We take a closer look at the alpine regions in motion.
Previewed in France at BePositive, the leading exhibition on the energy and digital transition in buildings and territories, the “Triple Wood” exhibition showcases 50 timber construction projects in and around the Alps to promote the EU’s macro-regional strategy for Alpine regions (SUERA). It highlights best practices and ingenious uses of timber as a construction material: long-span bridges, spectacular 24-floor buildings, affordable housing, renovation methods.
Seven French projects are among those selected, with six constructions featuring “Bois des Alpes” certified timber and two featuring “Bois Qualité Savoie” timber.
THE USEFULNESS OF QUALITY LABELS
The end of 2018 saw the very first AOC label applied to forestry production, namely, “Bois de Chartreuse”. But this kind of timber certification and quality labelling is very much confined to France. Other European producers look upon it unfavourably, taking a defensive posture.
It nonetheless has the advantage of generating value and business within a defined territory, while sticking firmly to the quality and traceability angle. More than just a brand, the label represents an investment-backed policy in support of local timber, helping modernize and structure the sector.
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, “Bois des Alpes” certification has led to the injection of almost €10m into production tooling for around twenty businesses. As one sawmill owner points out:
With the ‘Bois des Alpes’ label, we can offer higher-quality timber than that from other countries and ensure its value addition stays right here. It used to happen elsewhere, resulting in the importation of converted products.
BRINGING PUBLIC STAKEHOLDERS ON BOARD
Dynamiser l’usage du bois local dans la construction exige d’agir sur la commande publique, car elle constitue un levier clef pour porter des projets d’envergure, à forte visibilité.
To boost the use of local timber in construction, the public sector needs to be brought on board as there is no better lever for initiating large-scale, high-profile projects. This means finding a formula that is compatible with public tender operation rules (free and undistorted competition) and getting order-giving councils to work closely with businesses who can mobilize local resources.
There are several European initiatives heading in this direction, like the CASCO project involving 11 partners from six alpine region countries. Sponsored in France by AuRA-EE, it notably sets out to ensure public purchasing rules include carbon footprint criteria, which are more easily met using local timber, and to set up new working processes between local government, contracting authorities, main contractors, and businesses.
In 2020, France will be taking over the chair at SUERA and doing its utmost to gain recognition for initiatives in support of local timber while emphasizing EU financial support for these regional sustainable development policies. Watch this space.
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