The Ministry of Agriculture has published guidelines on the use of timber in construction contracts

How to make better use of timber in construction projects

The Ministry of Agriculture has published a guide aimed at promoting the use of timber and other natural materials in construction projects. The publication offers practical information and inspiration for drawing up investment plans and is intended primarily for public contracting authorities, building operators, institutions and private investors.

The guidelines, subtitled ‘How to Build with Timber?’, present timber construction in a broader context. They explain its possibilities and advantages, highlight the risks and also address some persistent myths associated with building with timber. The main aim is to promote greater use of timber in the construction industry and to demonstrate how the appropriate choice of building materials can help reduce the environmental impact of construction.

At the same time, the publication emphasises that a high-quality timber building is not achieved solely through the correct choice of materials. Crucial factors include high-quality project preparation, a well-thought-out design and a comprehensive approach to construction, from the initial investment plan through to its implementation and subsequent operation. It is precisely this thorough preparation that is of fundamental importance for achieving the required quality, durability and functionality of the building.

The methodology also devotes considerable attention to the renovation and adaptation of existing buildings. It is precisely in this area that the use of timber and other natural materials offers significant potential. New builds, in fact, account for only around one per cent of the total building stock each year. If we wish to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector, it is therefore important to focus not only on new buildings, but also on the refurbishment and modernisation of existing ones.

The methodology can thus serve as a practical guide for investors and project commissioners who wish to consider timber as a fully-fledged structural and building material when preparing construction projects, whilst also seeking ways to achieve higher-quality and more sustainable construction.

You can find it here on the Ministry of Agriculture’s website.