The forecast of emission data for the year 2023 published by the German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) once again reveals shortcomings in climate protection in the building sector. The repeated failure to meet the savings targets underscores the urgent need to focus on the entire life cycle of buildings in proposals for measures for a construction transition. Strengthening the renewable and CO2-storing raw material wood is therefore inevitable for climate goals and requires swift and concrete measures for more timber construction in Germany.
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'The forecast of emission data highlights the urgent need to take effective measures in the building sector to advance climate protection and achieve the CO2 reduction targets. Because the reduction in total emissions in Germany last year is mainly due to crisis- and recession-related production cuts in industry and construction, and less to targeted instruments,' comments DeSH President Dr. Stephan Lang on the preliminary emission data from the UBA for the year 2023. 'The building sector has been neglected for too long. Although decisions were made last year for emission reductions in the use and operation of buildings with the Heating Act and municipal heat planning, a comprehensive consideration of the entire life cycle for a construction transition is still lacking.'
Up to 56 percent CO2 savings through timber construction
'In addition to the energy consumption of buildings, the production of building materials and dismantling pose considerable CO2 savings potential that is still not being fully utilised,' criticises Dr. Lang. 'The solutions are obvious: Wood from German forests is not only a natural CO2 sink but can also be processed locally by domestic companies as a regional and renewable raw material. With timber construction, CO2 savings of up to 56 percent compared to conventional construction methods can be achieved, thus realising long-term climate protection effects in the building sector, both in new construction and in renovations and infill developments.'
Timber construction initiative backed by concrete measures
'The use of renewable and CO2-storing raw materials is inevitable to achieve climate goals. It is high time that this potential is politically recognised and backed by concrete measures for more timber construction in Germany,' appeals Dr. Lang. 'The federal government's timber construction initiative is a good and important step that must be followed by further actions. Investment incentives or targeted funding measures such as those in Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg would also be imperative at the federal level – for the climate-friendly creation of urgently needed housing.'
More information:
Holzindustrie (HDH)
www.holzindustrie.de
