Denmark's construction industry is showing increasing readiness for timber-based solutions amid tightening climate requirements. A shift away from traditional concrete-heavy builds is becoming necessary as sustainability pressures grow.
Swedish forestry group Södra, one of Scandinavia's largest forest cooperatives, sees this as a major opportunity to expand in Denmark. With stricter regulations now requiring more balanced use of materials such as wood, steel, and concrete, the company believes bio-based construction has never had a stronger position.
Södra, whose operations span 2.8 million hectares of forest owned by over 50,000 members, views Denmark as the closest viable market for large-scale wood production. 'It is no longer possible to build 90 percent in concrete,' said Kenny Holm, market manager at Södra Building Systems. He added that Denmark's supply chains and climate goals align well with Södra's offering.
Recent high-profile Danish projects, including a 20-storey timber building in Aarhus and a low-carbon housing development in Hedehusene, highlight the growing momentum. However, Holm notes two main barriers remain: stricter fire safety rules for timber structures, and the lack of standardised timber construction solutions, something the concrete industry has long benefited from.
According to Holm, wood should not be seen as a replacement but as "one of the many tools in the toolbox" that has been underutilised for too long. He credits increased awareness from industry events and government initiatives, such as Denmark's plan to plant one billion trees, for helping to shift attitudes.
While challenges remain, Södra believes the early results from Denmark's first large-scale timber projects could pave the way for more widespread adoption of wood in construction. Holm concluded, 'The construction industry is currently waiting,' and that the time is now right for a more bio-based approach.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk